In pictures – Armed Forces Weekend kicks off in Dorchester and Weymouth

Published June 22, 2024

By Nick Billings and Idris Martin

A sunny Saturday afternoon saw the crowds out in Dorchester, reminiscent of carnival days, as the D-Day 80 Armour and Embarkation convoy arrived at Brewery square after a day of travel having left Broadmayne camp in the morning.

The roaring noise of tanks, armoured vehicles and motorbikes took over the road as a convoy of over 100 wartime vehicles recreated the build-up to the D-Day landings. They left at 17:30 returning to Broadmayne to continue to Martinstown and Weymouth on the Sunday.

See Nick’s photos below.

In Weymouth a stroll around the town on Saturday morning with Idris’s dog in tow revealed how just entertaining a place it can be.

The Park Run, which takes place at Lodmoor Country Park every Saturday morning, began at 9:00 am sharp with in excess of 100 runners of all ages, male and female, some keen athletes and others just happy to get around the course. However, all the participants seemed to be enjoying the runout in the Dorset sunshine and taking part in the race.

Then, walking along the esplanade and by the Victoria Clock, Lotus Car owners were displaying their vehicles for the general public to view.

Outside the Pavilion Theatre, serious historic military hardware was on display, along with a girl group, the Decadettes, a Dorset-based vintage singing group, singing you through the decades in style! Followed by the South Wales Police Band.

And all of that entertainment didn’t cost Idris a penny!

Well done Weymouth.