Spitfires and aerial displays to fly over Portsmouth for Armed Forces Day - when can I see them

Excited crowds will get to see Spitfires soar through the skies over the weekend for Armed Forces Day.

An action-packed event on June 20 promises to be the city’s biggest ever Armed Forces Day celebration. The centre-piece will be the aerobatics displays and a sensational parachute jump.

Two will take place in the afternoon, the latter involving two Spitfires from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The King’s Harbour Master said the first is scheduled from 1.30pm to 1.45pm, with the second organised for 3.50pm to 4pm.

The planes can be seen over the main Portsmouth channel and the swash way, with visitors gathering on Southsea Common. An exclusion zone for all marine vessels will be in place between 1.15pm and 1.45pm, and 3.50pm and 4pm.

Another iconic moment is planned to give people a chance of being part of Portsmouth history. A photo will be captured from an Airbus space satellite of visitors forming the Portsmouth100 logo at precisely 11.49am. People are asked to gather at 11.30am and be ready to take part. The event, organised by Portsmouth City Council and sponsored by BAE Systems, starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm.

The local authority’s leader, Councillor Steve Pitt said: ”We are nearly at the halfway point of our big centenary celebrations, and what better event to create our own piece of history than Portsmouth Armed Forces Day. Knowing how loved this event is, I have no doubt thousands of people will want to be a part of it and the Portsmouth100 photo from space, as well coming to honour the country’s brave armed forces community, and enjoy a great, free event.”

Speaking about the Portsmouth100 picture opportunity, he added: “This is a real one-off opportunity to be part of Portsmouth's history. It's a photo that will be looked back on for years to come showing how we celebrated the 100th anniversary of our great city. One to tell future generations 'I was there.’”

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List of events planned:

• Air displays including an RAF Display Tutor and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight from a pair of Spitfires
• Royal Navy parachute jump
• Military parades and displays including veterans, cadets and service personnel
• Helicopters including Navy Wings’ Wasp and Gazelle brought by British Army 6AAC Army Air Corps along with other military vehicles
• Motorbikes from Royal British Legion Riders
• Multiple stalls including cadet groups, veterans, serving military and reserves groups providing free interactive activities for all the family
• Free children’s activities including a climbing wall provided by City of Portsmouth Scouts
• Field gun competitions for schools and cadet groups
• A paid funfair, food and refreshment stalls