BICESTER will pay a fitting tribute to the country’s Armed Forces when the town stages its first military proms.

Taking place in Garth Park, the Band of the Royal Logistic Corps will headline alongside its famous Drumming Corps. Regular BBC presenter and auctioneer Charlie Ross will compere the evening.

Traditional proms tunes such as Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory, as well as plenty of flag waving, will bring the Launton Road park to life.

Organised by Bicester Town Council, all proceeds from the event will be donated to soldiers’ charity Help For Heroes.

Many local businesses have sponsored the event and equipment for the night has been given on loan free, so all the profits from ticket sales will go direct to the charity.

Bicester Garrison commander Colonel Angus Mathie said: “I know that I speak for all military personnel and their dependants here in Bicester when I say that I am absolutely thrilled that Help the Heroes is this year’s chosen charity.”

Bicester’s mayor Rose Stratford said: “Many of us are going through tough times in different ways, but none of us go through the distress and trauma that our service folk and their loved ones go through.

“Not knowing if they are coming back to you or how badly they will be injured in body or mind. I ask you all to support this fundraising event to show our everlasting gratitude to them all.”

The proms takes place on Saturday, September 3, – the anniversary of the day the Second World War started – and gates open at 6.30pm with the band starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 with children under 12 free.

For more information call the town council on 01869 252915 or view bicester.gov.uk