Elland Road hosts "The Not Forgotten Jingle Bell Rock drive-in concert" for Leeds veterans

The Not Forgotten, a British Armed Forces charity which supports serving and ex-service men and women, performed at Elland Road in Leeds during their 12-date concert tour which aims to entertain, boost morale and lift lockdown spirits by reaching more than 1,300 of veterans across the UK.

Over 100 Leeds veterans and their guests enjoyed a feast of festivities in their social bubble at the Jingle Bell Rock concert, providing a real boost to many local residents who have been struggling with loneliness and isolation during months of lockdown and ongoing tier restrictions.

Veterans were treated to a varied set of "festive favourites" and even had a sing and dance.

They also got involved with interactive games such as ‘singo bingo’ and a numberplate raffle during the memorable afternoon.

To complete the Christmas party feel, a hog roast with all the trimmings was served to guests which was enjoyed from the safety and warmth of their cars.

The drive-in concert was arranged in strict accordance with local and government COVID-19 guidelines, organisers said.

Each vehicle was parked at a specified distance from others, so veterans and those in their ‘bubble’, could get in the swing of things and dance the afternoon away – in safety.

Commenting on the launch, Brigadier James Stopford, CBE, CEO of The Not Forgotten said: “Sadly, so many events to commemorate VE Day, VJ Day and D Day could not take place properly this year and we’ve had to put our traditional Christmas parties for veterans on hold.

But it is a year when we need to do more for those who have really felt the restrictions. So, we’ve improvised, adapted and overcome the obstacles and are bringing some much-needed cheer, fun and entertainment to those that have served our country by offering them some early Christmas celebrations.”

The Not Forgotten combats isolation and loneliness amongst the Armed Forces community through social activities and challenge holidays.

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