A TV CELEBRITY has been booked to launch this year’s Keighley Armed Forces Day.

Organisers say a “special surprise guest from the TV” – who they have decided not to name – will open the event.

Keighley Armed Forces Association hopes this year’s event on Sunday, June 17 will be even more successful than previous years.

The popularity of Armed Forces Day in the town has grown year by year, the celebrations outgrowing first Cliffe Castle Park then Victoria Park.

This year’s event will be at Marley Playing Fields, starting at 10am and with the official opening at 10.30am. Admission to the event is free.

Guests will include the inside of the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Zafar Ali, and Keighley MP John Grogan.

Planned attractions include a flypast from a Battle of Britain Memorial aircraft, cadets, military units, displays from the Xtreme Stunt team and Haworth Home Guard.

There will also be live music on the playing fields, plenty of activities for children including rides, and food and drink.

Keighley Armed Forces Association spokesman Tracey King said the committee had gained sponsorship for the event from Keighley Town Council and Pay Weekly Carpets.

She said: “Many local businesses and individuals have been kind enough to donate raffle prizes, for which we are grateful and very thankful. Without continuing sponsorship, the day would not be able to go ahead.”

“Our committee meets monthly and is also looking for new committee members. If you feel you can help by giving your time please get in touch and we will be happy to give you all the details.”

The Armed Forces Association is also actively involved in the Airedale Veterans Breakfast Club which meets monthly at the Wetherspoon’s pub, the Livery Rooms, in North Street.

Tracey added: “The breakfast club is for serving members, and veterans of our armed forces, to enable them to come together and relive the laughs and banter that form an important part of service life.”

Email association chairman Luke Davison at davison_37@hotmail.com for information about the committee and the breakfast club.