Irish Guards to Mark 125th Anniversary with Parade and Performance in Bangor

The Irish Guards will exercise their right as Freemen of the Borough to parade in Bangor on Saturday 6 September as part of their 125th anniversary celebrations.

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 September's event marks the first time in their 125-year history that they will parade through the streets of Bangor.

Members of the public are invited to attend the parade as well as the performance that will be held outside Bangor Castle.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

"I am delighted that the Irish Guards are exercising their right as Freemen of the Borough to parade in Bangor. They have a long and honourable association with our Borough so I am looking forward to seeing them parade in Bangor for the first time. This will be a wonderful spectacle for the city and I am sure many residents and visitors will come out to support them."

Major SA McMichael, Company Commander, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said:

"The 1st Battalion Irish Guards are deeply honoured to exercise our Freedom of the Borough in Bangor on 6 September 2025. This civic privilege, especially in our 125th anniversary year, reflects the strong bond between our regiment and the community.

"With our veterans, cadets and regimental mascot Seamus by our side, this parade will celebrate our proud history and inspire future generations. We thank Ards and North Down Borough Council for this memorable recognition."

The parade will be led by the Irish Guards' Mascot, Turlough Mór, who is known as Seamus to his colleagues. It will consist 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 will march from Castle Park Road and follow a route through the city that includes 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 Road.

Following a short break, the Irish Guards will perform outside Bangor Castle at 4pm, with proceedings coming to a close around 4.30pm.

Parade Route (3pm): Castle Park Road - Castle Park Avenue - Main Street (past the saluting dais outside Trinity Church) - Bridge Street - High Street - Bingham Street - Mill Street - Hamilton Road - Main Street - Castle Park Avenue - Castle Park Road.

Performance (4pm-4.30pm): Bangor Castle

For more information, visit www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/Irish-Guards-125.