Irish Guards Freedom March in Bangor, 6 September 2025

Irish Guards Freedom of Bangor March, 6 September 2025 The Irish Guards marched through Bangor with with drums beating, colours flying, and bayonets fixed on 5 September 2025 as part of a tour of Northern Ireland to mark the 125th anniversary of the formation of the regiment. The Irish Guards exercised their right as Freemen of the Borough to parade in Bangor. Ards and North Down Borough Council awarded the Freedom of the Borough to the Irish Guards at a formal conferment ceremony in 2022 and this event marked the first time in their 125 year history that they will parade through the streets of Bangor. The parade wad led by the Irish Guards' Mascot, Turlough Mór, who is known as Seamus to his colleagues. It consisted of the Regimental Band of the Irish Guards as well as the Drums and Pipes of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, with approximately 300 personnel in total, including 50 band members. Starting at 3pm, they marched from Castle Park Road and followed a route through the city that included Castle Park Avenue, Main Street, Bridge Street, High Street, Bingham Street, Mill Street, Hamilton Road, Main Street and Castle Park Avenue before returning to Castle Park. The Irish Guards were accompanied by Campbell College Combined Cadet Force Pipes and Drums and a marching contingent from the Army Cadet Force. Following a short break, the Irish Guards Band performed outside Bangor Castle at 4pm, with proceedings coming to a close around 4.30pm.