AN Army regiment will this morning march through Winchester city centre after being granted ‘Freedom of Entry’ last month.

The Royal Logistic Corps, based in Worthy Down, will march down the High Street from Peninsula Barracks to the Broadway for a parade before attending a thanksgiving service in the cathedral and then a reception in the Guildhall.

The regimental Colonel in Chief, The Princess Royal will take the salute on the steps of the Guildhall.

Preparations are being made for the event. There has been disruption with parking spaces on The Broadway fenced off yesterday and this morning. Access from the Broadway to Colebrook Street and the High Street has been blocked for the parade which starts at 9.30am. It will be lifted at 1pm.

READ MORE HERE: Royal Logistic Corps granted freedom of Winchester

Buses are not entering the station from the Broadway but diverting along Friarsgate. A temporary stop has been sited by King Alfred's Statue.

The Broadway is currently closed to traffic and pedestrians directed to the north side of the street. Security covers have been placed over the waste bins along the High Street.

 

The honour was conferred on the regiment by the city council at a meeting on Wednesday, May 17.

Freedom of Entry is an ancient privilege and allows the corps to parade, by permission of the council, through the city to the beat of drums, with swords drawn, bayonets fixed and colours flying.

Hampshire Chronicle: The Broadway closed this morning

Speaking of the freedom, Col Patrick Allen said: “Our own regiment, the Royal Logistic Corps, remains the largest corps in the British Army, with 14,000 regulars and a veteran community of 30,000, now to be able to call Winchester our permanent regimental home and by being presented the freedom of our city in our 30th year, is a genuine honour. I graciously accept the Freedom of Winchester and will ferociously guard the honour bestowed upon us.”