A spectacular military parade will take place in Bangor on Thursday, May 29, as a key highlight of the city’s 1500th Anniversary Celebrations, marking one of the most ambitious and significant civic events in recent memory.
The parade will begin at 11.30 am at the War Memorial, Glanrafon, proceed down the high street and Dean Street and will include a formal salute at 12 noon by the town clock, before ending back at the Storiel playing fields at 12.30 pm.
Among those marching will be just under 200 serving soldiers and airmen from RAF Valley, joined by veterans and cadets, some travelling from bases in London, Catterick, and Cardiff. Their presence reflects not only military excellence but also a spirit of national unity and pride.
A planned low-pass over the high street to coincide with a Mayoral from RAF Valley, weather permitting, will add a dramatic aerial element to the events. Adding to the spectacle, the Royal Welsh and Regimental Goat will lead the parade followed by the elite of military musicians, the Army Band travelling from Catterick, Yorkshire. The Welsh Guards were granted the Freedom of the City of Bangor in 2014, further deepening their historic connection with the city and the Royal Welsh and RAF Valley in subsequent years.
The parade has been two years in the planning, coordinated in collaboration with numerous organisations to ensure its scale and significance reflect the importance of Bangor’s 1500-year milestone.
Following the parade, the celebrations will continue with a Family Fun Day at Tal y Fynwent and outside Storiel, offering entertainment and activities for all ages.
Organisers have also confirmed that Wrexham Lager is proudly supporting the event as the main sponsor.
Welsh Guards Regimental Adjutant Lt. Col. Guy Bartle-Jones said yesterday: ‘What Bangor City Council has achieved in pulling together such a grand military salute to the City’s 1,500-year anniversary is quite unique and highly commendable.
“Three of the marching units, the Welsh Guards, Royal Welsh and RAF Valley are already proud to be Freemen of the City, but others parading are equally delighted to have been invited not least the Army Band from Catterick who will be standing in for our own Welsh Guards Band so sadly diverted to other ceremonial duties.
This parade has been two years in the planning and Bangor has demonstrated amazing fortitude in overcoming many unforeseen changes to plan during that period. But what’s so pleasing to me is that the few minor gaps in the order of march will be filled with an amazing number of Army and Air cadets from across North Wales who are so full of enthusiasm to be part of it.’’
He added: “On a personal level, I really look forward to travelling back up to Bangor where the Welsh Guards along with the Royal Welsh have a very strong and proud family of Veterans and affiliation of the City of Bangor. Both our Regiments have Colours laid up in the Cathedral.
A contingent of 60 officers and Guardsmen of The Welsh Guards will travel to Bangor for the event along with a small contingent from their Wellington Barracks Regimental headquarters in London.
Last year, the newly repaired Bangor City Mace was paraded and saluted outside Buckingham Palace by the Welsh Guards.’’
Dr Martin Hanks, City Director at Bangor City Council added;
‘We are immensely proud to see Bangor host such a meaningful and significant event. The time, effort and dedication shown by key partners have been fantastic and for that we are extremely grateful. The Parade is not just a celebration of service, but a reflection of the deep respect and unity within our city. Join us for this historic occasion as Bangor honours its past and looks forward to its future’.
Picture shows Welsh Guards in Bangor, 2017.
Photo credits: Dawn Hughes
For further information please contact Lyn Parry at Bangor City Council on 01248564168.
For any media enquiries, please contact Medi Parry-Williams on 07464097587.
