VETERANS and servicemen will parade through south Essex this weekend as part of Armed Forces Day.

The celebrations, which are held to honour members of all the armed forces, will take place in Basildon, Southend and Canvey town centres.

Organisations such as the Air and Army Cadets and military bands will take part.

Everyone is invited to attend to watch the parades and support the servicemen and veterans taking part.

Basildon’s procession will begin at 12pm from outside Toys R Us in the town centre, finishing at St Martin’s Square.

A ceremony will be held following the parade with mayor of Basildon, David Harrison, and Garrison Commander Ciaran Griffin OBE leading an inspec - tion of the colours and speeches.

In Southend, the procession down the High Street will begin at 10.30pm, with a service held outside the Victoria Shopping Centre.

A free display of military vehicles is also being held at City Beach, on Southend seafront, on Sunday between 10am and 6pm.

As well as supporting the armed forces, you can support Cancer Research UK this weekend by cheering on runners taking part in the Race for Life runs and the Pretty Muddy Obstacle Course.

Both events, in Gloucester Park, will see thousands of women don pink clothes and complete 5km and 10km races to raise money for the charity.

You can also relax at the Leigh Folk Festival, which continues over the weekend.

Visitors can expect a weekend full of music from today until Sunday across the town, with the main action happening in the Leigh Library Gardens on Saturday and around the old town on Sunday.

Special evening concerts will also be held during the event.

For details of all the action, visit leighfolkfestival.com