Thousands of people descended on Ryde to mark Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day yesterday (Sunday), which included a fantastic display from the RAF’s Red Arrows. The Esplanade was alive with activity as crowds gathered at 11:30 for an aerobatic display over The Solent from the world-famous Red Arrows. Sadly, the clouds had crept in which meant a full display couldn’t be given, but nonetheless the impressive skills of the pilots were enjoyed with all eyes on the skies. A short parade featuring armed forces personnel, past and present, followed with rounds of applause aplenty as the veterans made their way along the Esplanade. Among those present was D-Day veteran Alec Penstone. The salute was taken by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Brigadier Maurice Sheen CBE QVRM TD DLX, with Mayor of Ryde Richard May present alongside Council Chairman Karl Love, High Sheriff Graham Biss and former Lord-Lieutenant Sir Martin White. 
Elsewhere on the Esplanade, visitors of all ages were able to sit behind the controls of a Gazelle helicopter and watch the firing of a canon on the beach. There were also plenty of trade and information stalls at Eastern Gardens, with a live music stage also keeping the crowds entertained. Later in the day, the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team dropped down on the sands at Cornwall Slip, as the day of reflection drew to a close. Despite the slightly overcast conditions, the Isle of Wight’s Armed Forces Day 2024 was enjoyed by all and was undoubtedly a great success. PHOTO GALLERY
PHOTOS: RED ARROWS OVER RYDE AS VETERANS COMMEMORATED AT ARMED FORCES DAY 2024
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Shame IWC didn’t sort parking and bus services, hundreds of veterans trying to use free bus service were left at stops as busses full. Council could of arranged some of the local parks to be car parks , Oakfield Primary or park and ride from Tesco or Smallbrook etc.
IW Council couldn’t organise a p*ss up in a brewery.
And our wonderful town council couldn’t even be bothered to hoist the Union flag on the flagpole in Eastern garden by the bowling alley, they have done so on many occasions but this time chose to show their utter contempt and disdain for our armed forces both past and present, you can bet your boots though they will rush down to raise the gay pride flag on July 20th.
So its march of the homo’s on the 20th..I thought everyone was bored of all this shouting about their sexuality, this is 2024, nobody cares about ‘pride’ anymore, they have equality what else do they want??????????????????…
There’s no equality when people such as you feel free to use a term of abuse for gay sexuality.
Then ENSURE you vote Reform, who do have put pride, where it belongs, in our country once again.
So you’re saying we should vote for a party that promotes the far right, the very same thing that many men and women fought and died fighting in 2 world wars. Don’t you think that’s disrespectful for our veterans and war dead?
That is because the country doesn’t respect servicemen and women,
but they respect the quirky brigade!
Shocking behaviour
It was a fab display by the Red Arrows and amazing turn up. Great day indeed.
Why was a canon fired? What had they done wrong? I would have thought it was a better idea to fire a cannon.
Hehehe nice spot Chippy Minton
Nice to see someone here say ‘would have’ rather than ‘would of’! Rare as hens’ teeth.