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Birmingham can now reveal its final programme for this year’s National Veteran’s Day on Wednesday 27th June and thereafter the City’s celebrations that continue up to and including Sunday 1st July 2007.

Wednesday, 27 June

11am - Parade of Standards from the ICC to the Hall of Memory. (Centenary Square)}

11.30am - Ceremony to add names to the Book of Remembrance at the Hall of Memory. To be attended by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Randal Brew.

Noon to 5pm – Exhibitions and displays in Victoria Square including an original Spitfire anti aircraft gun that defended Birmingham during the 2nd world war, “We Were There” Exhibition and the Pegasus Collection.

Noon to 2pm – Lunchtime concert in Chamberlain Square on the bmibaby beach. 12pm to 1pm Serena Howard Douglas and Chenque (Swing/Jazz) and from 1pm to 2pm the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

2pm to 5pm – ‘Veteran’s meet Birmingham School Children’. Veterans of the Falklands conflict and second world war visit Birmingham Schools and video footage of their interaction will be played on the BBC Big Screen at Chamberlain Square.

2pm to 5pm - Veterans Badge Ceremony in the Council House’s Banqueting Suite.  Rt. Hon Derek Twigg MP, Under Secretary of Sate for Defence and Minister for Veterans will be presenting the badges to veterans.

4pm to 7pm - Veterans Tea Dance in the Veterans Grand Marquee Centenary Square, sponsored by the Broad Street BID. This is a ticketed event and free tickets have been allocated to Veteran’s groups. Compered by Professor Carl Chinn MBE.

Thursday 28 June

12pm to 5pm – Victoria Square activities and exhibitions as per Wednesday 27th June.

12pm to 2pm – Lunchtime concert in Chamberlain Square. The Wise Guys (Swing/Lounge) will be playing.

2pm to 5pm – BBC big screen in Chamberlain Square video material relating to Veteran’s visiting Birmingham schools.


Friday, 29 June

12pm to 5pm – Victoria Square activities and exhibitions as per Wednesday 27th June.

12pm to 2pm – Birmingham School’s Veteran’s showcase.

2pm to 5pm – BBC big screen in Chamberlain Square video material relating to Veteran’s visiting Birmingham schools.

2pm to 5pm –7pm until 9.30pm – Falklands 25 “The Experience” conference in the Veteran’s Grand Marquee in Centenary Square.

Distinguished veteran’s of the Falklands conflict give fascinating talks and presentations on their role in the war.
This event is ticketed and tickets can be attained free of charge by calling 0121 303 3008.

Saturday, 30 June

12pm to 5pm - Victoria Square activities and exhibitions as per Wednesday 27th June.

12pm to 2pm – Lunchtime concert in Chamberlain Square.  Duo Ten Days Later to perform.

2pm to 5pm – BBC big screen in Chamberlain Square video material relating to Veteran’s visiting Birmingham schools.

8pm to 1am – Veterans Gala Dinner at the ICC. Tickets are £20 per person or £175 for a table of 10.  This includes a four course meal, swing band Sticky Wickett will play and a DJ (for tickets call 0121 303 1999)

10.45pm – Veteran’s fireworks display (Centenary Square)


Sunday, 1 July

12pm to 5.30pm – City of Birmingham Pipe Band Championships 2007 in Centenary Square.

There will be a Veterans Parade along Broad Street at 4.30pm which will begin at Sheepcote Street and finish on Centenary Square.  Broad Street will be closed between Sheepcote Street and Paradise Circus from 3:00 – 6:00pm.

From Wednesday to Saturday there will also be a medals trail for youngsters where they will be able to visit the exhibitions in Victoria Square, Chamberlain Square, Central Library and the Museum and Art Gallery and collect their own medals to stick onto their own medal display card.

Birmingham City Council's Lord Mayor, Cllr Randal Brew said: "We have so much planned over the five days of veterans celebrations - there really will be something for everyone.  It will be a fantastic opportunity for people across the city - both young and old to come and celebrate the contribution veterans made to the country and also perhaps learn a thing or two at the same time."