Crowds lined the street for the start of Hull's Veterans Weekend this morning. Families waved flags and cheered as Lord Mayor Mary Glew arrived in a 1908 Stanley Steamer car to open the event at East Park.
More than 50,000 people are expected to visit the two-day event in the park.
The weekend, now in its 10th year, will mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and will feature battle re-enactments, motorbike displays by the Royal Signals and aerial displays by the Red Arrows.
Councillor Glew said: "In this centenary year, it is right to mark the outbreak of the First World War. It is important to remember the sacrifice those young men and their families made.
"Those men fought for freedom in Flanders fields and for world peace.
"It is also important we remember those fighting today in Afghanistan."
Honorary Alderman Brian Petch, the organiser of the event, said he was confident this year's event would draw the crowds.
He said: "The first year, we got 2,000. Last year, we got 50,000 and I hope we get more this year. It's going to be a great weekend. "
Mr Perch revealed a helicopter landing by the Royal Navy had been cancelled after a trial run wreaked havoc on the showground yesterday.
He said: "Ground staff came yesterday but the down draft was terrible. It blew down two marquees and branches from trees. Thankfully, there was no one inside at the time."
Today's event runs until 5pm.
• SLIDESHOW: Veterans' Weekend 2014 pictures
