Huge plane set to fly over Exeter during military parade

Published: 19 June 2024

A giant plane capable of carrying up to 116 troops is set to fly over Exeter city centre on Saturday (22 June) as part of celebrations to mark Armed Forces Day.

The RAF Atlas C1 (A400) troop carrier – which can also carry vehicles and helicopters and is based at Brize Norton – will fly over Exeter Cathedral during the military parade at 11.25am. The flypast is subject to weather and operational conditions.

As in previous years, Exeter City Council marks Armed Forces Day a week before the national event.

RAF Brize Norton will be exercising its Freedom of the City on the day and the flypast will be part of this event.

The Armed Forces Day Parade will set off from Sidwell Street at 11am and will be led by the Barnstaple Youth Band.

The parade will march down the High Street to Exeter’s historic Guildhall, where a salute will be taken in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Kevin Mitchell, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon and Squadron Leader of RAF Brize Norton.

The parade will then proceed to Cathedral Green, where an inspection will take place by the Lord Mayor, Deputy Lieutenant, Air Commodore Sansom and RAF Brize Norton Squadron Leader, and The Dean of Exeter will conduct a blessing.

Taking part will be a number of service military personnel, associations, cadets, and scouts, along with a Military Village taking place on Cathedral Green. This will include recruiting stalls from some of the organisations and associations.