Mayor Toni Pérez presided over the event alongside the British ambassador in Spain, Alex Ellis, on his first official visit to the city
Benidorm hosts the annual Poppy Appeal tribute
Dozens of Britons have paid tribute to the fallen and supported retired soldiers and their families in this charitable event
This afternoon, Benidorm hosted the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal. Through the sale of paper poppies, the organisation raises funds to help British veterans and their families who have fought in the conflicts following the First World War. The Mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, presided over the parade and subsequent tribute to British war veterans, along with the British Ambassador to Spain, Alex Ellis, on his first official visit to Benidorm. Also participating were the British Defence Attaché, Anthony Crabb; the Vice-Consul in Alicante, Sara Munsterhjel; Stephen Lee of the Royal British Legion Board of Trustees; the District Chaplain of the Royal British Legion in Spain, Reverend Richard Seabrook; and the local RBL President, Paul Kane.
At 3:45 p.m., the traditional banner parade began on Castellón Avenue, accompanied by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, adding colour and melody to a day dedicated to remembrance. Hundreds of people followed the procession along the Levante promenade, applauding and taking photos with the participants. This was especially true for veterans, such as Raymond Barber, a 93-year-old British man who has lived in Benidorm for four decades and who wore the same uniform he wore when he served as a sailor more than 70 years ago.
The parade began with a three-minute silence in honour and remembrance of British service members who fell in war conflicts and continued with a brief homily by Reverend Seabrook. Tribute was also paid to the volunteers responsible for raising funds to support veterans.
The British Ambassador, Alex Ellis, then addressed everyone present, greeting them warmly, noting that this was his first official visit to Benidorm since his appointment. Ellis also thanked the Mayor, Toni Pérez, for the "good treatment" the city provides to the British community residing in Benidorm and other municipalities in the province of Alicante, as well as to the thousands of tourists who visit each year.
He also highlighted how, year after year, the city opens its doors to the Royal British Legion for this tribute, which is also a charitable and solidarity event, after which it has extended its hand to continue collaborating in initiatives alongside the City Council.
For his part, Mayor Toni Pérez described it as a "true honour" to participate in this Poppy Appeal event, "where we pay tribute to all the people who, with courage and dedication, served in the Armed Forces and defended the values of freedom, justice, and peace." "Benidorm is proud to maintain a close connection with the British community and to welcome them today—and always—with affection, because they are an essential part of our social, cultural, and touristic life," he stated. Toni Pérez also acknowledged that this year's event takes on special significance with the presence of the British ambassador, whom he publicly welcomed as a "reflection of the deep bond of friendship that unites the United Kingdom with Benidorm and with Spain."
Therefore, he expressed his confidence that "this meeting will once again be a symbol of friendship between our peoples and of our shared commitment to peace and harmony."
Following the official speeches, the national anthems of Spain and the United Kingdom were played, and the banners marched out in their final parade, after which they broke ranks and the event came to a close.
The Royal British Legion is a non-profit organisation that, during the Poppy Appeal, distributes 25 million cloth poppies worldwide. It has more than 700,000 members, of whom there are around 4,000 in Spain and more than a thousand in the province of Alicante.
