Businesses across Piccadilly and the wider Manchester area are being called up to support the country’s military heroes as the city prepares to host the inaugural national Armed Forces Day on 27 June. On this day the city will welcome service men and women and their families.

Armed Forces Day was launched by the MOD earlier this year to show support to the armed forces community, past, present and future. Events will take place across the country on 27 June and will be delivered in Manchester in conjunction with City Council.

The Manchester thank you event will include a full day of activity, where members of the armed forces past and present will be invited into the city to celebrate alongside civilians. Activity will focus in Piccadilly Gardens and Exchange Square, where there will be music from jazz and military bands as well as a climbing wall, military fitness ‘have a go’ sessions along with information about the three armed forces.

Organisers are canvassing local businesses to sign up to provide special one-day discounts and offers for veterans and servicemen and women as a mark of thanks and recognition for all those who have fought for our freedom and safety. Already in place are deals with NCP to provide free car parking, free rides on the MEN Wheel of Manchester, discounted tickets at The Odeon Cinema at the Printworks and travel concessions on buses and trams in Greater Manchester.  Shops already signed up include Selfridges and Unique Boutique and Up and Running in the Triangle, and restaurants across the city including Kro Bars, Hard Rock Café and Tiger Tiger.

Councillor Val Stevens, deputy leader for Manchester City Council said: “We’ve got a great day planned and we’re asking as many city centre shops, bars, businesses and restaurants as possible to get behind our armed forces for the day. I must thank those already signed up for their kind generosity and hope that other companies will follow suit so that we can work together and give the true heroes of Manchester the thank you they deserve.”

Any companies wishing to be involved should contact the Manchester City Council Armed Forces Day Coordinator, Ian Hyde on 07980 830 404 or email ian@ianhyde.co.uk

For further information visit www.manchester.gov.uk/armedforcesday