Plymouth naval parade takes place in Guildhall — Instead of the streets of Plymouth, the parade ended up taking place amid the impressive 19th Century architecture of the Guildhall (Picture: Royal Navy).

Royal Marines

Naval parade scaled back due to poor weather in Plymouth

A naval parade in Plymouth to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Royal Navy receiving the Freedom of the City has been scaled back due to excessive wind and rain.

Three hundred sailors and Royal Marines had been expecting to march through the streets to demonstrate the close relationship between the Royal Navy and the city.

However, as a result of the appalling weather the ceremony was moved indoors, with around 100 personnel attending the revised parade in Plymouth's Guildhall.

Military personnel at Plymouth Naval Parade (Credit: Royal Navy) — Plymouth Guildhall hosted the revised naval parade(Picture: Royal Navy).

A band from the Royal Marines provided a musical accompaniment to the ceremony, which saw a Colour Guard of sailors from HM Naval Base Devonport and a Casket Party holding the letter of the Freedom of Plymouth parade before military and civic leaders.

The commander of HM Naval Base Devonport, Brigadier Mike Tanner OBE, told the audience: "Not only was I romanced by the notion that the honour allows us to march through the city 'with drums beating, Colours flying and bayonets fixed', but I can assure this great city that we marched through its streets with hearts beating with pride and stares fixed with pride.

"As sailors and Royal Marines - we're very proud to be part of this city.

"It is a great honour for any military unit to be granted the Freedom of a City, more so when it is a city with such a glorious and deeply personal history as that shared between Plymouth and the Royal Navy."

The Royal Navy’s Plymouth Command was given the Freedom of the City in 1963, when sailors marched up to the Hoe for the civic event.

The Freedom of the City is the highest ceremonial honour a local authority can give and allows martial organisations the opportunity to march into the city.

Deputy Lord Mayor Kathy Watkins praised the work of the Navy, saying: "It is an absolute honour to be present at the Freedom of the City parade to celebrate the 60th anniversary. I am really passionate about acknowledging the excellent work and dedication that the Navy do for our country.

"This is a very special day for our city and for our strong Armed Forces family and community in Plymouth."