Trowbridge town celebrates role of uniformed services

The town celebrated and commemorated the role of Trowbridge people in the armed forces as well as those in civilian uniform who give service to the public.

The event in the town park was the second time that Trowbridge Town Council has organised Uniform Services Day following the inaugural celebration last year.

Trowbridge mayor Stephen Cooper was delighted with the attendance and said this year’s event was bigger and better than before.

Trowbridge Town Crier Trevor Heeks with Trowbridge Mayor Stephen Cooper announcing the opening of Uniform Services Day with the Wiltshire Caledonian Pipes and Drums marching band. (Image: Trevor Porter)

“I thought it was the best ever. It wasn’t just the weather that was good, it just went very smoothly.

“Everybody I spoke to virtually universally told me that they appreciate the event and that it was the best organised and best run event that they have seen in the town park for quite a long time.

“It was very well-attended and the events went very well. All the stuff in the arena went ahead on schedule and were very good.

“The Military Wives Choir and the Police Band were fantastic. It was slick, it was smooth and there were a lot of charity stalls there.”

Wiltshire Chief Constable Catherine Roper with Chief Inspector James Brain and Sgt Charlie Chilton take time out to listen to the Wiltshire Police Band in the lower town park. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Building on the success of the first one-day Uniform Services Day in 2023, this year’s event took place alongside the Trowbridge Weavers Market in the town centre.

Trowbridge Town Council leader, Stewart Palmen, who was marshalling at the Weavers Market, where there were 26 stalls, added: “There were thousands of people at the event, which was very successful.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere in the town and it was the best event that I have been to in the park.”

Wiltshire Search and Rescue volunteers with their display in the lower town park. 

Uniform Services Day featured more than 70 exhibition stalls from armed and uniform services, together with a full schedule of performances and displays in the main arena and on stage.

Armed Forces exhibitors included the Ministry of Defence, Royal British Legion, SSAFA the armed forces charity, Royal Air Forces Association, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, and the Trowbridge Army Cadet Force.

The charity and retail stalls included entertainment, attractions and activities, and food and drink stalls.

Kevin Ashman with his dog Buster on board Mr Chuffy. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Within the military and uniformed service zones, exhibitors put on displays of vehicles and memorabilia, and there were living history re-enactments as well as demonstrations.

Uniform Services Day succeeds the two-day Wiltshire Armed Forces and Veterans Celebrations held every year in Trowbridge before the Covid pandemic began in 2019.