Free RAF parade to mark Battle of Britain Week in Norwich

Norwich city centre will host the free Battle of Britain Week Commemoration and Freedom of the City Parade on Monday 14 September 2026. The public ceremony runs from 11.30am to 12.15pm outside City Hall and along St Peter’s Street.

Members of the public are invited to attend alongside the Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich, veterans and other guests. Norwich City Council has not stated that booking is required.

Personnel from RAF Marham will parade through the city, accompanied by the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment. The ceremony combines remembrance of those who served during the Battle of Britain with the RAF exercising one of Norwich’s longstanding civic honours.

What spectators will see outside City Hall

The parade will take place on St Peter’s Street before a ceremony on the City Hall steps. During the event, the RAF will exercise its Freedom of the City—an ancient honour allowing eligible military organisations to march through Norwich with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.

An RAF officer will present a scroll on the steps, signifying the service’s right to exercise that freedom. The military music, formal parade and scroll presentation are the principal confirmed elements of the programme.

The ceremony will also mark the opening of Battle of Britain Week. Nearly 3,000 RAF aircrew participated in the Battle of Britain, successfully defending against two major Luftwaffe attacks in 1940. Their courage became associated with the name “the Few” following Winston Churchill’s tribute to their contribution.

The Lord Mayor described the week as an opportunity to remember those who defended the country during the Second World War, while also recognising serving personnel. The parade reflects the continuing relationship between Norwich and the armed forces.

Where and when to attend the Norwich parade

The public event is scheduled for 11.30am to 12.15pm on Monday 14 September. Its confirmed locations are St Peter’s Street and the steps outside City Hall in Norwich.

Attendance is free, and the council’s announcement invites the general public to come along. It does not provide separate booking instructions or details of accessibility arrangements, so visitors requiring specific access information should consult Norwich City Council’s event announcement before travelling.

Road closures start at 10am

St Peter’s Street will close from 10am until 12.30pm, beginning 90 minutes before the ceremony. Bethel Street will also close during that period, from its junction with St Peter’s Street to The Forum car park.

These restrictions affect the streets around the parade location before, during and shortly after the event. Access to The Forum car park will be maintained while the closures are in force, although Norwich City Council says the road arrangements remain subject to change.

Anyone travelling through this part of the city centre on the morning of the parade should account for the closures. The latest confirmed event and traffic information is available from Norwich City Council.

Source: Norwich City Council