Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day to include Red Arrows display
Thousands are expected to be in attendance
The Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day will feature displays from the Red Arrows, a Spitfire and a Hurricane this Sunday.
Ryde Esplanade is set to host the event with flypasts, marching bands, parachute displays all on the agenda.
Ian Dore, organiser of the event and veteran, said the event is all about the recognition for the armed forces.
He said: "At its heart, Armed Forces Day is about saying thank you not just to those in uniform, but the entire armed forces community, which is serving personnel.
"Veterans, reservists, cadets and the families who stand behind them.
"For us, that's around about 16,000 over here on the Isle of Wight.
"It's the days of public expression of gratitude for people who often serve quite quietly, without expectation or recognition.
"So, it acknowledges the sacrifices, the service and the support that often goes unseen.
"So whether it's a young cadet learning discipline and leadership, a reservist balancing civilian life with military duty, a veteran who has served or a family holding the fort while a loved one is deployed, this is the day for them.
"It says we appreciate you, we value you and we are grateful.
"It's the sum of its parts, the five pillars I call it.
"Veterans, cadets, reservists, serving members and their families.
"That is what Armed Forces Day represents, and it's our way, one day a year, of saying thank you."
The event is one of three across the UK to have secured the Red Arrows for a display.
Mr Dore added: "When the red, white and blue comes on as they come over into the airspace, there's this huge uplift in positivity and excitement.
"They are the best in the world and they're absolutely stunning.
"It's going to be something really quite special."