CONCERNS are growing in Kendal that Armed Forces Day might not go ahead next year despite people saying how important it for the town.

The 2020 event was cancelled during the first lockdown after a successful first event for the town in 2019.

Councillor Geoffrey Cook who represents Highgate, asked the question at this week’s Mayoral arts committee meeting as to if it would still go ahead next year.

He said: “In more recent years it has been put on by the Business Improvement District (BID). I hope that Kendal BID will do something next year as they had hoped to this year.”

Giles Archibald who represents Fell ward on Kendal Town Council is one of the more keen supporters of Armed Forces Day returning to the town. He said: “I would enthusiastically support the return of Armed Forces Day to Kendal. We continue to owe a huge debt of gratitude to our men and women in the armed services. We should take every opportunity to show our appreciation.”

Doug Rathbone who represents Kendal South & Natland, was full of praise for the last event. He said: “BID did a fantastic Job, managing to involve lots of different people and finding lots of different ways to enjoy it.”

BID Chairman Brian Harrison was more downbeat about the event returning next year. He said: “With no help to organise and run it I have not taken planning the event any further. I have not registered a 2021 event on the AFD website, neither have I submitted grant applications to Kendal BID or Ministry of Defence.”

Frances Haycock from the The Ministry of Defence thinks it could go either way next year. She said: “Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity for the public to learn more about and show their support for the UK Armed Forces. It is possible that Armed Forces Day events in June 2021 may be affected by Covid-19.

“Event organisers should refer to the latest government guidance. Event attendees can contact the individual event organisers, using the contact details provided on the Armed Forces Day website, for further information on specific events.”