Find out why sailors have been taking to the streets of Wrexham in celebration
The HMS Dragon is based in Portsmouth but today, hundred of its sailors marched through Wrexham, to celebrate it being awarded the 'Freedom of the City.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
RAF Waddington personnel to parade through Lincoln centre
More than 100 RAF personnel will march through Lincoln to exercise their freedom of the city awarded the honour to RAF Waddington in 1959 as a mark of respect and appreciation for their parade will take place on 26 June, starting at 11:30 BST from St Martin's Square and making its way down the high Fenn, civic and international partnerships manager, said: "We are proud to celebrate this special relationship every year." The RAF band will perform as the procession passes under the Stonebow before pausing at the war memorial just after 11:35 will be a flypast from the Red Arrows at 11:40 BST, organiser said.A reading by radio presenter Melvyn Prior will take place at the war memorial before the parade continues through the Cornhill Quarter, finishing in City Square where the march will end at about 12:00 closures will be in place throughout the morning. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
ITV News
13-06-2025
- ITV News
Find out why sailors have been taking to the streets of Wrexham in celebration
The HMS Dragon is based in Portsmouth but today, hundred of its sailors marched through Wrexham, to celebrate it being awarded the 'Freedom of the City.'
Leader Live
13-06-2025
- Leader Live
WATCH: HMS Dragon crew members parade through Wrexham
The crew of the Type 45 destroyer marched through the heart of the city centre before being hosted at an official reception to cement the bond. The ship was adopted by Wrexham last summer and civic leaders promptly bestowed their highest honour upon the Portsmouth-based warship and her ship's company. (Image: Newsquest) Their hectic schedule – which included a milestone first takedown of a supersonic missile by the Royal Navy during NATO exercises off the coast of northwest Scotland in May – has prevented the ship's company from exercising their right until now, although some sailors were able to take part in Wrexham's Remembrance events. Since then, when Dragon's demanding programme has allowed, the 200-strong ship's company had been preparing for the hometown visit, including undertaking specific drill training to reach the highest standards required for the march. 'Today is a proud moment for HMS Dragon and a fitting opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism of our sailors, marching in full ceremonial dress, with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed, as a mark of respect and gratitude to the people of Wrexham." (Image: Newsquest) Gresford councillor Jeremy Kent said: "Today, we were incredibly proud to welcome 156 members of HMS Dragon's ship's company to Wrexham as they exercised their Freedom of the City and County Borough — an honour that reflects the deep and lasting bond between the Royal Navy and our community. "With bayonets fixed, drums beating, and colours flying, the parade through our city centre was a stirring sight and a powerful reminder of the dedication and service of our armed forces. (Image: Newsquest) MORE NEWS: "As a member of Wrexham County Borough Council, I was honoured to stand alongside residents, veterans, and fellow councillors to show our gratitude and respect." He added: "Thank you to HMS Dragon for your service — and for bringing such pride to Wrexham today." In being named Freemen of Wrexham, the sailors are in select company, including Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
