Isle Of Wight Armed Forces Day Organisers Salute Sponsors

The organisers of this year's Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day have issued a heartfelt thank you to the first set of sponsors and are encouraging others to get on board.

Rouse, LM Plus Consulting, Ryde Town Council and the Isle of Wight Council have all made financial contributions to ensure the success of this year's event, taking place in Ryde on Sunday, 29 June.

The funds provided by these sponsors, who are also signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, are crucial, directly supporting the attractions and infrastructure for the event.

Now, other businesses and organisations are being encouraged to get involved and lend their support to an event that attracted almost 10,000 attendees last year, making it the second most attended single-day event on the Island, surpassed only by the Isle of Wight Festival. 

Ian Dore, organiser, said:

“When organised on his scale, producing an exciting, dynamic and engaging event like Armed Forces Day comes with a price tag. 

"In my view, this cost is justified by the benefit and value it brings to those the event supports.

"The Isle of Wight Armed Forces community numbers around 16,000 individuals, representing around 11 per cent of the Island's population. Among them, there are around 7,200 veterans.

"As a not-for-profit event, its purpose is clear and fully justified. While there are obvious fringe benefits for attendees, at its core, it serves one primary purpose: to pay respects and say thanks to the Isle of Wight Armed Forces community for their commitment.”

Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day is a chance for Islanders to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

From currently serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets, the popular event provides a much-valued morale boost for the troops and their families.

Meanwhile its current location at Eastern Gardens provides the perfect opportunity to display land, sea and air attractions, along with all you’d expect at an Armed Forces Day.

More information about Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day, including how businesses and organisations can show their support, is available on the event website: www.isleofwightarmedforcesday.co.uk 

Ian can also be contacted directly at ian.dore@iow.gov.uk