Freedom of Wallingford Parade - Friday 12th August 2022

Wallingford Town Council are once again delighted to be supporting Royal Air Force Benson and we hope the community of Wallingford will be equally pleased to come out and support them on what is envisaged to be a very special day.

A parade will set off at 1pm from The Street, Crowmarsh (just over the other side of Wallingford Bridge), up the High Street and into the Market Place where they will be met by a salute and review.  The parade will then go up St Mary’s Street to St Leonard’s Square and back down St Martin’s Street, though the Market Place again, left at the High Street and onto the Kinecroft. A road closure has been organised.

There will be no parking allowed along this route from 1000 to 1700 hours on the 12^th August 2022.   Access to homes and car parks may be very limited during the road closure which is 1200hours to 1400hours so it will be best to plan your journeys outside of this time.  There will be a number of servicemen, police and security personnel in this area for a few hours.

For Kinecroft residents

Do please note that 2 RAF helicopters are due to land on the Kinecroft, at approximately 9am, and fly out again a short time after the event draws to a close at around 5pm, please ensure any garden furniture or objects are secured during landing and take off.

For Businesses in the Town Centre

Please note control barriers will be positioned alongside the Market Place and there will be limited access to car parks during the parade (12pm to 2pm).  In addition there will be no parking allowed along the route nor will any deliveries be allowed.

For Businesses at Hithercroft and Howbery

Please note there will be a road closure in place between 12pm and 2pm and access to any Town Centre Car Parks is limited.   Parking on the access road to the Riverside car park is prohibited.   No parking signs will be erected.

Freedom of the Town

RAF Benson will exercise their Freedom of the Town Parade on Friday 12th August from 1pm. Personnel from the RAF base will march across the bridge and through the town with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.

This will be followed by a special fly-past and displays on the Kine Croft which will include static aircraft.

RAF Benson was granted Freedom of the Town in 1957.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to come along and celebrate alongside the personnel.

Photograph Credit to More Than Images (c)