Posted on: Tuesday 12 July 2022
Royal Welsh soldiers will march through Pontypool later this month to celebrate the reaffirmation of their Freedom of the Borough.
It's been 10 years since the Freedom was granted to The Royal Welsh - the highest honour a local authority can bestow - in recognition of their service.
To mark the occasion, The Royal Welsh, together with Gwent and Army Cadet Force, veterans organisations and local dignitaries, will reaffirm the honour in a service in Pontypool on Saturday 23 July.
Members of the regiment will also parade through the town and there will be a free Forces Fun Day at Pontypool Park, organised by Torfaen Council.
Councillor Anthony Hunt, leader of Torfaen Council, said: “The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour we can give and I’m very pleased that The Royal Welsh will be reaffirming that honour.
“Our armed forces have a special place in our history, as an exhibition about the Battle of Britain which will come to Pontypool next week will testify, and our soldiers still play a vital role today. It’s right that it is recognised and honoured in this way.”
The parade will start at 11am from the top of Crane Street and the reaffirmation service will take place at the memorial gates, next to the library shortly after.
Visitors are also invited to take part in the fun day at Pontypool Park starting at 10am, which will include representatives from the Royal Artillery, Royal Navy, Royal Welsh, military vehicles, face painting and a gladiator obstacle course.
A separate exhibition marking the anniversary of the Battle of Britain is also coming to Torfaen next week.
To mark 80 years of the Royal Air Force, The Wales and The Battle of Britain Historical Exhibition Tour of Wales will be coming to Pontypool Indoor Market, between Monday 18 July and Saturday 23 July, and will be free to attend.