James Wharton Shows His Support For North Wales Armed Forces Day 2014

North Wales Armed Forces Day 2014 is delighted to announce that James Wharton has become an ambassador for the event, which takes place on Saturday June 21st

James, a former member of the Household Cavalry and the first openly gay person to appear on the front cover of Soldier magazine, was back in Wrexham today to help launch the event.

James, who grew up in the region and is a former pupil of Ysgol Bryn Alyn, spoke about his experiences after he joined the army in 2003.

On the completion of his initial training James entered the ranks of the Household Cavalry, choosing to become a member of the elite Blues and Royals.

In 2007 James served in Southern Iraq for seven months carrying out his duties as an Armoured Reconnaissance soldier. He has played a part on all major state occasions including the State Opening of Parliament, Lord Mayors Parade, Cenotaph Parade, and the Queen’s Birthday Parade. In April 2011, James was honored to be escorting the Sovereign on the occasion of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding.

James made history in when he became the first openly gay person to appear on the front cover of Soldier magazine, the British Army’s official publication. Since leaving the army he has teamed up with Stonewall to visit schools to talk about his experiences as a gay soldier in the army.

James said: “It is a real honour to be named as an ambassador for North Wales Armed Forces Day 2014. Wrexham has always been very supportive of the armed forces and I’m very pleased that my home town will be hosting the event this year.

“It is vital that we honour armed forces personnel both past and present and remember the sacrifices they have made. It is going to be a very special day and I know people from across the region will turn out in huge numbers to support the North Wales Armed Forces Day 2014.”

Plans for the free event include the Army and RAF Corps of Drums marching onto the green to mark the start of the formalities of the day.

They will be playing for the crowds whilst they await a parade which will leave Hightown Barracks led by the Royal Welsh Band at 11.30 into the town centre where a Drumhead service will take place followed by British and Welsh anthems.

Veteran Pins will be presented and the Armed Forces Day Flag will be formally handed over to next year’s event host, Conwy Council.

The formalities will then be followed by an afternoon of entertainment on Llwyn Isaf Green and Queen’s Square.

Entertainment already confirmed are circus acts from Circus Malabaristas including jugglers, stilt walkers, balloon moddellers, giant games and a circus workshop.

There will be free facepainting available for the younger ones, musical entertainment from the Rhos Male Voice Choir and the County Youth Band will also be playing during the afternoon.

The RAF have confirmed that a static Griffin helicopter will be flown for the occasion and a Spitfire will fly over during the day. A military village including vehicles and a climbing wall have also been confirmed.

RAF Hawks will also be flying over Llwyn Isaf during the event, along with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring the world famous Spitfire Fighter plane.

Cllr David Griffiths, Armed Forces Champion said: “I’ve known James and his family for many years and it is a tremendous privilege for us to have his support and backing for this year’s North Wales Armed Forces Day

“James has shown tremendous courage during his years of service and since leaving the army, and as a town we are incredibly proud of James and his achievements.

“We are all looking forward to welcoming serving and former members of the armed forces and their families into the town centre what will be an incredible day.

“Wrexham has a long and very proud tradition of supporting the armed forces and I know that all visitors and their families will receive a very warm welcome on the day.”

The event starts at 10.00 am and the parade will leave the barracks at 11.30 and arrive in the town centre at 12 noon.

The event is free to attend.