Day of community unity as Armed Forces flag raising events held across Cheshire East 

23 June 2026

A series of well-attended Armed Forces flag raising events took place yesterday across Crewe, Congleton, and Macclesfield, bringing together civic leaders, veterans, local organisations, and members of the public in a powerful show of unity and support for the Armed Forces community. 

The day began at 7.30am at Bentley Motors in Crewe, where the mayor of Cheshire East councillor Judy Snowball, was joined by Cheshire East Council’s Armed Forces Champion, councillor (Major) Anthony Harrison, the council’s Armed Forces lead officer Richard Stephenson-Evans, company staff, and local veterans. The early morning ceremony marked the start of a day dedicated to recognising the service and sacrifice of military personnel, past and present.

At 9.00am, councillor Rob Moreton the deputy mayor of Cheshire East attended an event in Congleton supported by Congleton Town Council who were joined by the local branch of the Royal British Legion in welcoming the start of Armed Forces Week during a special service at the cenotaph.

At 9.30am, proceedings moved to Crewe Memorial Square, where colleagues joined the Royal British Legion, veterans, two local schools and the Royal British Legion Riders. Hundreds of residents gathered to witness His Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant David Wootton CBE, and the mayor raise the Armed Forces flag in a moving public ceremony that demonstrated widespread community support.  

Following the Crewe event, participants were warmly welcomed to the Salvation Army, where veterans and attendees shared refreshments, including tea and sandwiches, providing an opportunity for connection, reflection, and appreciation. 

The programme continued at 1.00pm at Macclesfield Town Hall, where the Armed Forces flag was raised in partnership with the Macclesfield Royal British Legion and Armed Forces HQ. The ceremony was attended by HM Deputy Lord Lieutenant Chance Wilson, the mayor, the council’s Armed Forces Champion and Armed Forces lead officer, alongside veterans and local supporters. 

Following the flag raising, guests were invited into the Town Hall for refreshments hosted by Armed Forces HQ, who were also on hand to offer guidance and support to members of the veteran community. 

Councillor (Major) Anthony Harrison said: “Today has been a powerful reminder of the respect and gratitude our communities hold for those who serve and have served in our Armed Forces. 

“It has been inspiring to see people of all ages come together across Cheshire East, from businesses and schools to veterans’ organisations and residents, to show their support.  

“The events today not only honour the sacrifices made by our service personnel but also reinforce our ongoing commitment to ensuring that veterans and their families are supported, valued, and never forgotten.” 

These events collectively highlight the strength of collaborative working across local authorities, businesses, charities, and community groups to recognise and support the Armed Forces community.