HMS Monmouth will be exercising their Freedom of the town of Monmouth with a march at the end of the month.

Led by the band of the Royal Marines, 140 of the ship’s company will be marching to Monnow Street on Saturday 30th March where, for the first time, they will line up for an inspection opposite the Oldway Centre.

They will be gathering at Drybridge Street for a 2pm start when they will march through Monnow bridge with the traditional ‘drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed’ to halt for inspection by the mayor of Monmouth Councillor Terry Christopher, the Lord Lieutenant Brigadier Robert Aitken and deputy Lord Lieutenant Commodore Toby Elliot.

Following the inspection, the company of men will then form up to continue marching up Monnow Street to an ‘eyes right and salute’ at the Shire Hall and on to Castle House where they will be dismissed.

It is hoped this change in format will allow extra viewing opportunities for members of the public to watch the parade.

Road closures will be in place from 1pm to 3.30pm and will include Priory Street, Agincourt Square, Agincourt Street, Castle Hill, Monnow Street, Glendower Street, St Johns’s Street, Blestium Street, St Thomas’ Square and Drybridge Street (at least until the march has passed). There will be no parking in Agincourt square, St Thomas’s Square and Old Monnow Bridge area