A Battle of Britain Spitfire will take to the sky as part of a packed Portsmouth Armed Forces Day on Saturday 21 June.

Southsea Common will again burst to life for a free community day of military parades, a Royal Navy ‘Raiders’ parachute jump and arena displays, plus a live music stage and lots of other entertainment.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team will be performing a full spitfire display to delight the crowds, with thousands again expected to turn out.

Portsmouth City Council organises the annual event to let Portsmouth residents and families come together and honour our current and former armed forces.

BAE Systems is continuing its commitment to Armed Forces Day by headline sponsoring the event and enabling the council to put on such a large programme for the whole of Portsmouth to enjoy.

Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: In what is the 80^th anniversary year of the end of the Second World War, we are very proud to once again host a day for the whole of Portsmouth to come and honour and celebrate our armed forces community.

“We’re expecting well over 10,000 people to again attend, and they will be treated to a full day of action and excitement, including a Royal Navy parachute jump and a full Spitfire display.

“Our thanks again to BAE Systems for its support, which enables us to make Portsmouth Armed Forces Day the hugely popular event it is.

Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ M&L Defence Solutions, said: We’re incredibly proud to continue our support of Portsmouth Armed Forces Day. It’s a popular event in the local calendar, offering an opportunity for the local community to come together to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of our Armed Forces community – those in service, veterans and their families.

The main arena will host the full military parade led by the Rose and Thistle Pipe Band, plus dog shows and the Spitfire display above.

This year there’s a dedicated bike arena with BMX tricks and jumps in the afternoon.

There will be a Field Gun Arena to explore, and a music stage with live performances from local acts through the day.

The 6 Regiment Army Air Corps Reserves are bringing a static Gazelle helicopter, there’s a tactical wing supply from Joint Helicopter Group, plus displays and stalls from veterans, charities and military organisations.

The popular free climbing wall is back, plus there will be full funfair with rides to purchase, and plenty of food and refreshments on sale.

The free event runs from 10am to 4pm.

Snows BMW & MINI Portsmouth is a supporting sponsor of the event, and will be bringing a selection of electric vehicles from across their range for people to view.