Red Devils set to join battle re-enactment at veterans' day

The Red Devils, who wowed crowds with some daredevil mid-air stunts over Hull Marina at the end of the Clipper yacht race a fortnight ago, plan another spectacular entrance to the veterans' event in East Park.

They will also reprise their forefathers' role by dropping straight into a Second World War battleground re-enactment.

The regiment was formed in 1942 and soon earned the grudging respect of its enemies who dubbed the newly formed Paras "Red Devils", in reference to their distinctive maroon berets and tough fighting qualities.

The annual event, being held over two consecutive days from 10am to 6pm, honours all servicemen and women, past and present.

It is being organised by Hull Council and the Hull Veterans' Awareness Committee, who said they hoped the event would be well supported.

One of the organisers, Honorary Alderman Brian Petch, said: "We are delighted to be holding the sixth annual veterans' weekend in East Park. It is important for all generations to remember war-time Britain and to thank those who protected and continue to protect our country."

Re-enactments of both world wars are being staged and there will also be British, German, Russian and American army camps, steam engines, a traditional steam fair, 1940s dance and entertainment, a dog show, a veterans' marquee, armed forces stands and stalls, and living history camps.

The 16th Queens Lancers (1914) will give a display on horseback, and the Home Front will also be represented by displays of the Home Guard and a Women's Land Army reunion group.

The event will also celebrate East Yorkshire's rural heritage, with a traditional woodland craft workshop, a display of shire horses, a demonstration of hand spinning and collection of items from a vintage Holderness farmyard.

The event was first held in 2005 to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Entry is free and some car parking will be available on site for a 1 donation to the Air Cadets.

The Red Devils are due in at 3pm on Saturday, weather permitting.