Armed Forces parade in Rushden cancelled after terror attacks

But despite the parade no longer going ahead, the rest of the weekend will take place as planned.

Numerous events will be taking place from Friday, June 16, until Sunday, June 18, in honour of Armed Forces Day for people to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, including currently serving troops, Service families, veterans and cadets.

Maurice Weight, one of the organisers of the annual event in Rushden, said: “It is with regret that I must inform you that the parade element of our event is cancelled.

“In the light of the most recent security issues, the murders at both Manchester and London, I have conducted a security review and have concluded that with our limited resources we cannot flex enough to reduce the risk of a successful attack to an acceptable level.

“The safety of our contributors, which include schoolchildren and youth organisations, and the general public is paramount, I hope you will support me in this decision.”

But Maurice added that the rest of the events lined up for Armed Forces Weekend will go ahead as planned.

The schedule for the rest of the weekend will be as follows:

- Friday, June 16 from 7pm: Station open for steam rides and bar only

- Saturday, June 17 from 9am: Honour walk starting from The Station

- Saturday, June 17 from 11am to 4pm: Steam train rides, stalls, military vehicles, Royal Navy, Army & Royal Air Force careers, buffet car and real ale bar.

- 2.20pm that day: Battle of Britain memorial flight - Dakota Flypast

- Saturday, June 17 (afternoon): Music by Rushden Town Band

- Sunday, June 18 at 10.30am: Service of Remembrance at the Heritage Chapel Park Road - all welcome to this multi-denominational service

Maurice added: “As can be seen, there will still be much to do and see at The Station on John Clark Way (which will remain closed off as an official road closure has been authorised) including, of course, the honour walk.

“In view of this matter the Memorial Garden at Alfred Street School will not be open and so, as is the case on any weekend, the school will be completely closed.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your understanding and hope we can resume to normal activities next summer, especially as 2018 will be the commemorative centenary year marking the end of the Great War.”