PEOPLE lined the streets for the Royal Welsh regiment's march through Wrexham city centre.

Veterans and serving soldiers of Wales' oldest and most decorated regiment marched through the streets on Saturday morning, led by the regimental band.

The Reaffirmation of The Freedom of the Borough parade saw the Royal Welsh, Comrades and Cadets with bayonets fixed and Colours flying on September 3, 2022.

The Leader: Image courtesy of Scott Taylor Photography.Image courtesy of Scott Taylor Photography.

Leading the precession was the regimental goat. The history of the regimental goat dates back to the American War of Independence in 1775 when a wild goat wandered onto a battlefield in Boston, and ended up leading the Welsh regimental Colours off the battlefield at the end of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Since then a goat has served with the Battalion. 

READ MORE: Salute to history of Wrexham's Hightown Barracks

For the Reaffirmation of The Freedom of the Borough, the parade formed up on Llwyn Isaf Green and after inspection marched through Wrexham on the following route via Queens Square, Argyle Street, Hope Street, High Street and up Chester Road to the  RWF Cenotaph where there was a short memorial service.

At 10.40am on Llwyn Isafm Wrexham Mayor, Cllr Brian Cameron and Major General Chris Barry inspected the soldiers. The salute was taken on Chester Street.

The march left Llwyn Isaf at 11.25 and arrivedat the Cenotaph around 10 minutes later.

North Wales Police's Wrexham City team tweeted: "It was great to see the Royal Welsh exercising their right to the Freedom of Wrexham this morning, with a great deal of support from the public in the crowds around the city centre.

"The rain just about just about held off until the end of the service at the cenotaph."

The Leader: Image courtesy of Scott Taylor Photography. Image courtesy of Scott Taylor Photography.

Major General Chris Barry said: “The Royal Welsh are very proud of their close ties with Wrexham which has existed for a very long time. Wrexham is the spiritual home of the Royal Welch Fusiliers and now The Royal Welsh. The 3rd Battalion of the Regiment is raising a company here in the city over the next year and values the support of the Council and the people of Wrexham."

Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Beverley Parry-Jones, said: “Now more than ever we need to appreciate the sacrifice our armed forces make to ensure our freedoms and rights are protected. Sometimes this means making the ultimate sacrifice."

The Royal Welsh were given the honour of the Freedom of Wrexham in 2008 and last exercised their right to march in 2019.

The Leader: Image courtesy of Scott Taylor Photography. Image courtesy of Scott Taylor Photography.