MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Exeter at Falklands' war Barrow commemoration

Royal Navy HMS Exeter

Barrow in Furness shipyard expects 20.000 visitors for the Falkland Islands war 25 commemoration next month. The event will come off the back of the launch of the first “Astute” class submarine on Friday June 8, reports the northwest Evening Mail.

HMS Lancaster, HMS Exeter and two smaller vessels HMS Biter and HMS Charger will be on display. HMS Exeter will be open to visitors while HMS Onyx will be open to invited guests. There will be a fairground, abseil tower, zip line, Royal Navy simulators, climbing walls, bouncy castles, a trade fair, hot food stalls and entertainment from marching bands and dancers. A range of armaments will also be available on display. On Sunday there will be a drumhead ceremony at around one pm in the main shipyard, held in honor of former servicemen when veterans' badges will be presented. "We are exited about the celebration. We are quite proud of the local community, we help the community and they help us", said BAE Systems event manager Joe Sides. "It is important to show we value their support and this shows we can do something so they can see things they don't see normally". Mr Sides added that the Falklands war is an important part of Barrow's history. "We had eight ships from Barrows in the Falklands; everybody remembers the ill fated HMS Sheffield, she was the pride of the Barrow at the time", added Sides. "Onyx will be at the event and she served out there as well".