Armed Forces Day to be first event in new park

Celebrations for Armed Forces Day will be the first event held in a newly opened multimillion-pound park.

The event will take place at Stockton Waterfront urban park on 20 June, featuring military vehicles and a fun fair with a 22m (72ft) Ferris wheel.

Spectators will also be able to see a ceremonial flypast by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Lisa Evans said Armed Forces Day was a chance to honour those serving in the military and thousands of people were expected to attend.

"Stockton Waterfront urban park will be a place for the whole community and a space for them to make their own," she said.

"I truly can't think of a better event to launch this fantastic new space."

The celebrations will include a display of clay sculptures made by more than 1,000 school children, created in collaboration with artist Mackenzie Thorpe, and a community art wall.

There will also be dance sessions, creative writing activities and access to the park's new play area, Timber Towers.

The Armed Forces Day thanksgiving service will take place on a large stage area, followed by a speech from the Vice Lieutenant of County Durham Michael Poole and an official welcome to the urban park.

Work on the £23m site began in December 2024 following the demolition of Castlegate Shopping Centre and the Swallow Hotel.

Stockton Council had planned to host a £300,000 opening event but cancelled the plans because of financial pressures, with the local authority previously saying it had received a number of comments about it from the public.

Follow BBC Tees on X,Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.