A MAJOR Royal Navy festival was celebrated in Evesham for the first time in a decade and saw more than 300 Sea and Royal Marine cadets march through town.
The Vale hosted the prestigious Trafalgar Festival on Sunday (October 27) in an event which saw residents gather to watch the procession go past.
Every year the Royal Navy celebrate the victory of Lord Horatio Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21 1805, when the
Royal Navy defeated the combined fleets of the French and Spanish, which in turn scuppered the invasion scheduled by Napoleon Bonaparte.
The cadets were led by the band of Weston Super Mare Sea Cadets and marched through the streets of Evesham with flags flying, swords drawn and drums beating.
As well as Evesham cadets there were cadets from Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby, Tamworth, Redditch, Coventry, Sutton Coldfield, Nuneaton, Shirley, Leamington and Warwick.
When the parade was formed up ready for dismissal in the Market Square, the Captain of the Sea Cadets, Capt Jonathan Holloway, addressed them and said: “An excellent parade, and easily on par with the National Celebrations in London last weekend.
“A huge thank you to Evesham Unit, and the rest of the district for an unforgettable day.” he added.
VIPs’ including Captain Jonathan Holloway from the Royal Navy, the Deputy Mayor of Evesham Coun Fred Kaler, Wychavon District Council chairman Coun Lynne Duffy and Worcestershire County Council chairman Coun Pam Davey took the salute from the parade on Workman’s Bridge.
Commanding Officer Evesham Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets Detachment, CPO (SCC) Keith Field was delighted with the event.
“This was a wonderful day, to see so many of our cadets marching proud, heads held high, with pristine uniforms to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar, through the town of Evesham.” he said.
“I myself was left speechless and the young people of Evesham were a credit to themselves.
“I would like to give thanks to West Mercia Police, Ringway, Dawn Foods and Spiers and Hartwell who all supported us.
“An excellent day for the town, well done everyone.”
Evesham Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets meet at their headquarters on Shinehill Lane in South Littleton on Monday and Thursday evenings between 7pm and 9.30pm
New members between 10 and 18-years-old are welcome.
Visit www.sea-cadets.org/evesham/home.aspx for more information
The procession made its way across Workman Bridge up into the town centre. (s)
Captain Holloway addressed the parade as it formed up in Market Square. (s)
