A Helicopter, a Parade and a Big Morning for St Austell

Just before 11am on Saturday, St Austell came to a standstill. Traffic stopped across the town centre, crowds gathered along the route, and a parade hundreds strong began to move. Overhead, a Merlin helicopter would soon make an appearance few there will forget.

Armed Forces Day comes to St Austell

The Royal British Legion organised Cornwall Armed Forces Day in St Austell on Saturday 20th June 2026, bringing a parade, a military village and musical entertainment to the town.

David Pooley, Town Clerk, praised the effort behind it.

“The RBL did a tremendous job to bring this event to St Austell. The organisers had a number of challenges along the way, but in true Cornish spirit everyone pulled together and we had a fantastic parade, a military village and musical entertainment. Particular thanks must go to Mr Mark Bardsley, County Chair of the RBL, for his hard work and to the local Police for their invaluable advice and guidance.”

Stopping the traffic for the parade

The Town Council oversaw the road closures so the parade could pass safely through the town. Just before 11am, 15 security personnel, 6 contractors, 7 town council staff, RAF Culdrose personnel and 8 trucks and vans took up their positions to stop the traffic.

That cleared the way for between 350 and 400 parade participants to make their way through St Austell, and what a spectacle it was.

A Merlin overhead at the cenotaph

A Merlin helicopter flew over just as the front of the parade reached the cenotaph at Holy Trinity Church, where Colonel Bolitho and other dignitaries were waiting.

After the parade, the crowds were treated to music and entertainment in White River Place.