INTEREST in Carlisle’s Falklands 40th anniversary event continues to grow, with over 100 Falklands veterans marching from the South Atlantic Medal Association.

On Saturday, May 14, the parade will commence at 1pm from the grounds of Carlisle Cathedral marching to the Cenotaph, led by Pipe Major Steven Duffy.

News and Star: The British flag hoisted at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands in 1982The British flag hoisted at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands in 1982

Steven was posted to the 2nd Battalion Pipes & Drums in 1982, and while serving with the Reconnaissance Platoon he was critically wounded at the Battle for Tumbledown Mountain, the last battle of the Falkland Island conflict. He was subsequently Mentioned-in-Dispatches for distinguished service.

At the Cenotaph there will be a short service followed by the laying of wreaths in remembrance of all those who lost their lives.

A commemorative service will then be held at St Cuthbert’s Church at 3pm led by Padre David Cooper, Padre to the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment during the Falklands campaign.

A formal dinner will then follow at The Station Hotel from 7pm.

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In addition, the Falklands flag will be presented to the people of Carlisle from the Government and people of the Falkland Islands, by Richard Hyslop, the Falkland Islands Government Representative to the United Kingdom and Europe. This will take place at 12.30pm, outside the Old Town Hall. The flag will be received by the Mayor Pam Birks and MP John Stevenson.

John said: “I am delighted with the amount of interest from veterans in the Carlisle Falklands 40 event and do hope as many Carlisle and Cumbrian residents as possible, will come out and support the veterans as they march in the city.”

You can purchase tickets for the dinner on Skiddle.

READ MORE: Carlisle to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War