THE stage is set for the moment that the nation's eyes fall on Wootton Bassett as it is officially given its Royal name.

Colourful bunting and Union Jacks are lining the High Street and technical preparations have been made on the stage ready for tomorrow, when thousands of revellers descend on the town to mark the occasion.

Among the people making the final preparations today was Major Marcus Elliot-Square of the Grenadier Guards, who has helped organise 100 repatriations at RAF Lyneham in the last two years.

"I am part of the team setting up the ceremonial side of the parade. It is a huge honour to be part of this very important process for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

"Royal Wootton Bassett has shown a huge amount of support for the armed forces and the awarding of the title Royal is a fantastic tribute to that support.

"Hopefully this parade will act as closure for Wootton Bassett and they can get on with their daily lives happy in the knowledge that what they have done is just so valued by the whole country."

The formal events will take place between 1.30pm and 3pm, with parades of troops, the Wootton Bassett Band and the Collingwood Band of the Royal Marines, followed by speeches from dignitaries.

There will be flypasts during the day by a Globemaster, a Hercules and later, at around 4pm, a Vulcan bomber.

As part of the parade, there will be a marching detachment with 25 members of the Royal Navy, 25 Royal Marines, 50 members of the Army, 50 members of the RAF along with the Collingwood Band of the Royal Marines.

See Monday's Adver for your pull-out souvenir supplement.