People in Bargoed are being invited to dress themselves – and their properties – in military fashion for the third annual freedom parade by the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh on Saturday, September 28.
Residents are being urged to line the pavements in High Street, Hanbury Road and Gilfach Street for around one hour from roughly 11.45am to 12.45pm to show their support for around 120 brave men and women of the Royal Welsh as they march alongside representatives of the Royal British Legion.
The celebration will see the Royal Welsh troops exercise their Freedom of the country borough by marching from St Gwladys car park, along High Street and Hanbury Road, on to Bargoed square, where an official ceremony will take place.
The regiment will then request permission to continue their march through the town along Gilfach Street before coming to a halt at the Capel pub junction.
Captain Oli Beard of the Royal Welsh regiment said: “It means a lot to any service person to be able to march through their hometown and physically see the support that the local community give to our Armed Forces.
“The 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh are looking forward to the Bargoed parade in September. It is a fantastic opportunity to re-forge our historic links with the town and the wider area and I have no doubt it will be a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who take part.”
Councillor Harry Andrews, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, added: “I’m sure thousands of residents will join me in welcoming the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh back to the county borough. To see these brave soldiers in uniform proudly parading through the streets of Bargoed truly will be a sight to behold.”
Local residents and businesses are encouraged to get into the spirit of the day with military-themed ‘Dress your House’ and ‘Dress your Shop’ competitions which Bargoed Town Mayor Cllr Alan Higgs and the Mayor of Caerphilly Cllr Michael Gray will judge.
In order for the showpiece to run smoothly the roads along the parade route – High Street, Hanbury Road and Gilfach Street – will be closed for around one hour from roughly 11.45am to 12.45pm to allow the soldiers to parade safely. Alternative vehicle parking will be available at the Hanbury Road and Emporium car parks during these times.
For further information please call 01443 863218.
My mother and I attended this event and it was excellent, though it rained a little it didn't spoil my enjoyment. There was quite an exciting atmosphere and I was Impressed by the huge turn out, especially by the Hanbury square, I don't think I will see anything thing quite as awesome as this event.