Anticipation is mounting in Bangor as the city prepares to host what is being hailed as “the longest parade on Britain’s longest High Street in memory” this Thursday, 29 May.

The military spectacle, celebrating the 1500th anniversary of Bangor, is already being compared to the grand 1884 procession during Queen Victoria’s visit, and may even surpass it in scale and significance.

The commemorative march will feature a powerful line-up of British military pride, with troops from the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh, the Welsh Guards, RAF Valley, and 106 Squadron medical reservists. They will be accompanied by the 45-strong British Army Band, Catterick. In addition, scores of veterans and more than 100 cadets from as far afield as Birkenhead and South Shropshire are set to take part.

Adding prestige to the event, Brigadier Mark Davis, commander of the 160th (Welsh) Brigade, has cancelled a prior engagement in Aldershot to attend the Bangor parade. He will be joined at the Town Clock saluting point by senior Army and RAF officers from London, Tidworth, and Cardiff.

Stealing the show, however, may be the famed mascot of the Royal Welsh, Shenkin IV, the regiment’s Guinness-loving goat, who will lead the procession through the city.

Bangor City Councillor and military parade veteran Mark Roberts called the response to the celebration “phenomenal.”

“We’ve been delighted by the swell of support received from the military, from vets, cadets, and others to help celebrate Bangor’s 1500th anniversary,” said Cllr. Roberts. “It’s going to be big. Very big.”

Parade Order:

11.00 am: Parade forms up at the War Memorial, Glanrafon.

11.30 am: Parade commences.

12.00 pm: Formal salute at the Town Clock.

12.00 pm: Lowpass Flyover from RAF Valley.

12.30 pm: Parade concludes at Storiel green.

Major Adrian Kent, assistant regimental secretary of the Royal Welsh, echoed the sentiment: “I attended a meeting of Veterans Association members in Shropshire last week. They’d already heard about the Bangor event—and hired a coach to travel up. And I know of Welsh Guards-sponsored cadets from Birkenhead who are pleading to be allowed to march. There’s been a terrific response.”

Colonel Guy Bartle-Jones, Regimental Adjutant of the Welsh Guards, praised the city’s effort from London, saying: “What Bangor has pulled off is nothing short of amazing.”

The parade will begin at 11.30 am at the Glanrafon war memorial, with special provisions made for disabled veterans to join from the Cathedral green. The route will proceed along High Street, Dean Street, and Deiniol Road, concluding near Storiel and Tan-y-Fynwent, where a fun-filled community event will follow. Activities for all ages are planned as part of a grand “fun-day,” taking full advantage of the school half-term holiday.

Among the invited dignitaries will be 101-year-old Betty Roberts, a WWII RAF veteran, who has been named the parade’s guest of honour.

Organisers are advising Bangorians to travel in early or by bus, as road closures and limited parking are expected. Spectators are also being asked to remain within designated viewing areas. A heightened police presence will be in place to ensure safety.

Weather permitting, the parade will feature a dramatic low fly-past by aircraft from RAF Valley at noon.

For Bangor, this Thursday promises to be a moment of history, pride, and celebration not seen in more than a century.

A Full Day of Celebration

After the parade concludes at 12:30 pm, visitors are invited to stay and enjoy a vibrant Family Fun Day hosted by Bangor City Council on the green by Storiel Museum and at Tan-Y-Fynwent (next to the city’s main bus stops). Highlights include:

12.30 pm onwards: DJ, Family Entertainment and face painting.

2.00 – 2.15 pm: MPCT Drill (Storiel Green)

2.15 – 2.45 pm: Tenovus Choir

2.45 – 4 pm: Hogia Bonc

4.30 – 5.15 pm: Tacla (1st half)

5.30 – 6.30 pm: Cimera Circus Show (Storiel Green)

6.30 – 7.15 pm: Tacla (2nd half)

Photo: Welsh Guards in Bangor, 2017 © Dawn Hughes