A new statue celebrating the close bond between Colchester and its airborne forces is set to be unveiled in a landmark moment for the city.
The Colchester Airborne Soldier Statue will be revealed to the public on July 31 at the junction of Circular Road North and Flagstaff Road.
It is being presented by 16 Air Assault Brigade to mark 25 years of being based at Merville Barracks.
The life-sized bronze statue will depict a soldier in full parachute kit, positioned ready for action and standing on a limestone plinth.
Major Curt Vines, project lead and chairman of the Parachute Regimental Association’s Colchester branch, said: “The Colchester Airborne Soldier Statue will be a fantastic addition to Colchester, marking the city’s long and rich military history.
“I would like to thank everyone – serving soldiers, veterans from around the country and the world, and members of the public – who has donated or raised funds to support this project.”
The statue has been designed to reflect both the city’s historic barracks and its wider military heritage.
Its location near the "Garrison Gateway" places it at a key point linking the barracks with the city centre.
Organisers say it will act as a lasting symbol of the strong ties between Colchester’s military and civilian communities.
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The unveiling event is expected to be attended by civic leaders, soldiers and members of the public.
Brigadier Ed Cartwright said: “16 Air Assault Brigade is proud to call Colchester its home.
"For 25 years Colchester has given the Brigade a launchpad from which to deploy on operations, safe in the knowledge that the local community understands what we do and embraces our families.
“The Colchester Airborne Soldier Statue gives a focal point for us all to reflect on what the Brigade has achieved, and to celebrate the strong bonds between the city and its airborne soldiers.”
16 Air Assault Brigade has been based in the city since 2001 and was granted the Freedom of Colchester in 2008.
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