Thousands expected for Army parade
Published Monday 14th June 10 in Council - news and information releases news
Thousands of people are expected in Southend on Thursday to see the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment exercise its Freedom of the Borough.
The Vikings, as members of the 1st Battalion are known, have recently returned from their third tour of duty to Afghanistan .
The troops will arrive in Southend at 12noon before forming up outside the Odeon cinema in Victoria Square .
They will begin marching down the High Street at 12.30pm, halting adjacent to Elmer Approach where The Worshipful The Mayor of Southend Councillor Ann Holland will take the salute.
The Mayor will then inspect the troops in the company of Brigadier David Clements MBE, Deputy Colonel of the Royal Anglian Regiment.
They will be joined on the inspection by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, The Lord Petre, and the High Sheriff of Essex, Michael Hindmarch.
At 12.50pm the Mayor will officially welcome the troops to Southend. Brigadier Clements will then reply to the Mayor's speech.
Canon Stephen Burdett will give a blessing before the troops march off down the High Street to Royal Terrace, where the parade will dismiss.
Southend High Street has been bedecked with bunting for the parade and local businesses have been urged to dress their windows to show their support for the troops.
Among those cheering on the soldiers will be hundreds of Southend schoolchildren who have been given time off from lessons to attend the event.
The Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor Ann Holland, said: "The troops are doing such a great job and I am proud and very honoured to be able to greet them.
"My father was in the Essex Regiment which was incorporated into the Royal Anglians. I think people forget what a hard time they have and for us to be able to honour them is terrific.
"It will be really nice to be in front of them and speak from the heart to say how proud I am. The more people there to greet them and show our support the better."
During the parade there will be collections in aid of the Royal Anglian Regiment Benevolent Charity (sort code 16-19-26, account number 14811362).
Due to the number of people expected to attend the parade visitors are advised to travel to the town centre using public transport wherever possible.
For more information about this media release please call the Media and Communications Team on 01702-215000 ext 5939 or 5505 or e-mail media@southend.gov.uk