Residents and visitors are being asked to expect disruption in Chester this weekend as 22 Multi Role Medical Regiment parades through the city to mark the regiment’s Freedom of the Borough.
When and where the parade will take place
The parade will take place across Friday evening and Saturday, with traffic measures in place from 4.30pm on Friday 17 July until 1pm on Saturday 18 July. As part of the ceremony, soldiers will march through the city with bayonets fixed, exercising the traditional rights associated with the Freedom of the Borough. The regiment was granted that honour in December 2024.
Road closures and access
Council notices set out a series of road closures and temporary suspensions of parking, loading and unloading to accommodate the event. Delivery access will be permitted by permission on the affected routes between 7am and 10am on Saturday. The council has confirmed pedestrian access to premises along the route will be maintained at all times.
- Traffic restrictions begin at 4.30pm on Friday and continue until 1pm on Saturday.
- Delivery access window: 7am–10am on Saturday (permission required).
- Full road closures on parts of the route from 11am–1pm on Saturday, 18 July.
The principal streets affected include Northgate Street, St Werburgh Street, Eastgate Street, Foregate Street, St John Street, Bridge Street and Watergate Street, with specific sections listed in the council’s order.
| Time | Measure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4.30pm Fri 17 July–1pm Sat 18 July | Traffic restrictions | Wider traffic management for ceremony |
| 7am–10am Sat 18 July | Delivery access (by permission) | Short window for permitted access |
| 11am–1pm Sat 18 July | Specified road closures | Includes sections of Northgate and Princess Street |
"It is a tremendous honour to welcome 22 Multi Role Medical Regiment to Chester"
The comment accompanying the announcement came from Councillor Rob Bisset, chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Community and ceremonial context
The parade offers an opportunity to mark the relationship between the Armed Forces and the local community and to recognise the service of personnel from the regiment. Those planning to attend are advised to take account of the altered traffic arrangements and the temporary suspension of parking and loading in parts of the city centre.
Drivers who normally use the affected streets should consider alternative routes or allow extra time for journeys. Businesses and residents on the route have been notified that pedestrian access will remain, and the council has authorised limited delivery periods to reduce disruption for traders.
Further practical queries about the event, including precise restrictions outside the areas publicly listed, can be directed to Cheshire West and Chester Council.
