HMS Dragon sailors to parade through Wrexham to mark Freedom of the City

Royal Navy sailors from HMS Dragon are set to march through the streets of Wrexham to celebrate receiving the Freedom of the City – the first time the Portsmouth-based warship has taken up the honour since it was awarded last year.

The Type 45 destroyer was officially adopted by Wrexham in 2023, with civic leaders granting the rare accolade of Freedom of the City soon after.

Until now, the ship's demanding operational schedule had prevented its company from exercising the right to parade.

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In May, HMS Dragon took part in Nato exercises off the coast of northwest Scotland, where the destroyer achieved a Royal Navy first by intercepting a supersonic missile.

Some members of the crew were able to attend Wrexham's Remembrance events, but the full parade had been delayed until now, Friday 13 June.

In being named Freemen of Wrexham, the sailors join a select list which includes former prime minister Lloyd George, the Royal Welch Fusiliers, North Wales Police, and Hollywood actors and Wrexham AFC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Ahead of the parade, which begins at 10:40 on Llwyn Isaf green, Wrexham's Mayor, Councillor Tina Mannering, will inspect the ranks and take the salute at Queen's Square alongside HMS Dragon's Commanding Officer, Commander Iain Giffin.

"This 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," said Cdr Giffin.

"It will be a tremendous honour to take the salute of the sailors as they march through the city, and I hope as many people as possible will turn out to support the parade," Wrexham's mayor added.

"This will be a fantastic occasion, as we celebrate our wonderful partnership with HMS Dragon."

The destroyer's 200-strong crew have been preparing for the event between deployments, undertaking drill training to meet ceremonial standards.

"Wrexham has always been proud of its links with the armed services, and it will be wonderful to welcome the crew to the county borough, so they can celebrate the Freedom of the City," Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, said.

"HMS Dragon is the first ship affiliated with Wrexham since the Second World War, and we are tremendously proud of this very special relationship."