Excitement fills the air as the Leeds Armed Forces Day 2023 Grand Raffle presents an extraordinary opportunity for one lucky winner to experience the thrill of flying in a vintage De Havilland Tiger Moth biplane this summer.
The fortunate recipient of this flight experience, subject to meeting the terms and conditions, will ascend to the heavens within the open cockpit of a magnificent 1930s Tiger Moth, under the expert guidance of the Tiger Moth Academy. Departing from Breighton Airfield near Selby, the 30-minute flight will follow a course chosen by the winner themselves, who will even have the chance to take the controls after receiving a comprehensive briefing from a qualified pilot.
The Friends of Leeds Armed Forces Day, in collaboration with Sergeant Dave Walker of the 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment stationed in Pudsey, have generously contributed this awe-inspiring flight experience to make the Grand Raffle possible. Tickets for the raffle are now available for purchase at the Leeds Box Office, priced at a mere £1 each. Every penny raised will be dedicated to supporting Leeds Armed Forces Day and local armed forces charities.
The Tiger Moth raffle, among the multitude of events organised by Leeds City Council, various veterans’ groups, and serving armed forces personnel, will be hosted by the newly appointed Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite. Commencing with a flag-raising parade in Victoria Gardens on Saturday, June 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 am, the grand celebration will culminate on Sunday, June 25, from 11 am to 4 pm.
The main event, spanning the length of Briggate, is free to attend and boasts an array of family-friendly activities. Highlights include a traditional parade at noon, a delightful assortment of stalls, stands, and exhibitions, engaging activities for all ages, and a captivating selection of musical performances, featuring the enchanting melodies of the Dishforth Military Wives Choir and the Daisy Belles. Weather permitting, a mesmerising flypast by the same Tiger Moth biplane offered in the raffle will grace the skies, adding an additional touch of wonder to the day’s festivities.
Expressing her anticipation for the forthcoming celebrations, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, remarked, “Armed Forces Day presents an excellent opportunity to honour the dedication and sacrifices of our armed forces, both past and present, while providing a fun-filled day for families. This year’s diverse range of events and attractions, coupled with the grand raffle offering a once-in-a-lifetime flying experience, creates an unparalleled sense of excitement. I personally look forward to purchasing raffle tickets and extend my best wishes to all participants.”
Tickets for the Tiger Moth flight experience will be available for purchase until 4 pm on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at the following link: [insert website link]. The winner, selected at random, will be announced on Monday, July 3, and promptly notified.
For comprehensive information on all Leeds Armed Forces Day 2023 events, please visit www.leedsafd.co.uk.
