ONE of the county’s biggest Armed Forces celebrations events will be held near Billericay the weekend before Armed Forces day.

The event will feature flying displays by classic aircraft, demonstrations on the ground, live music and other attractions.

The South Essex Armed Forces Day 2014, at Barleylands, in Barleylands Road, Billericay, is being organised on June 21 and 22 by the Essex Military Support Association.

Chairman Dan Rodgers said: “The quality of the performers and exhibitors joining us is incredible.

“I’m not aware of an event like this in the UK this year.

“With about a dozen different units from across all the Forces coming together to receive the support of the public, this will be one spectacle in 2014 people won’t want to miss.”

Flying displays will feature Second Word War aircraft, including the Spitfire, the Hurricane and Lancaster bomber, plus more recent Gnat trainers.

he Army will demonstrate how it carries out medical evacuations under fire, while Essex Fire and Rescue Service will also give a demonstration.

There will be a motorbike parade, a dog display and music from Luciee Closier, a finalist in BBC1’s the Voice talent show and aspiring opera singer Marilena Gant.

Admission is by ticket only, and they are available by calling 08444 771000, or visiting e s s e x m i l i t a r y s u p p o r t .com Tickets cost £10 for adults and £3.50 for under-16s, while under-fives get in free.

Special concessions are available for serving and ex-military personnel via the association.

Free shuttle buses will be available from Basildon station for ticket- holders.