BICESTER residents are being urged to support this year’s carnival as it honours the town’s troops.

For the first time Bicester Town Council and Bicester Garrison have teamed up to organise the annual fun day which attracts thousands of people.

The event will mark Armed Forces Day and the centenary of Girl Guiding and the Red Cross.

Now a call has gone out for townspeople to enter floats for the procession or take on soldiers in a tug of war contest.

Mayor James Porter said: “Over the years the town council and 23 Pioneer Regiment have become firm friends.

“We have worked closely with the Army on events including two welcome home parades, civic events and fundraising activities for the Army and local charities.

“This year, after two years of almost continuous duties in foreign war zones, the regiment will be at home but on call, so we are delighted they will be joining in the carnival and helping us celebrate Armed Forces Day.

“I know we’re all very proud of our troops and the carnival will be a great opportunity for local people to show them how we feel.”

Activities will take place at the carnival on Sunday, July 11, including a climbing wall, inflatable assault course and glide simulator.

Refreshments will include the Army’s field kitchen.

Lt Col Rob Gascoigne, chief of staff at Bicester Garrison, said the carnival date fell just over a fortnight from the official Armed Forces Day.

He said: “The Pioneers were over the moon with the turn out for the homecoming parade in Bicester and the support they got.

“We will arrange free transport for the families to the carnival and we have entered a couple of tug of war teams. We are all looking forward to it.”

Deputy mayor Richard Mould challenged people to create a float for the procession.

He said: “It’s not just about the soldiers but we would like to see Army families there as well.

“This year we’ve got the centenary of the Guides and Red Cross and that’s the sort of theme we would like people to use for the carnival floats.”

  • Bicester will mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 26, by raising the Tri Service Flag at the town council offices at Garth House, Launton Road.