Red Arrows’ flypast for Freedom Parade

The RAF Waddington Freedom Parade will be held in Lincoln on Thursday, June 26, with a flypast by the Red Arrows based at the station.

Organised by City of Lincoln Council in conjunction with the Royal Air Force, the Freedom of the City Parade of more than 100 RAF personnel including a band, will start at St Martin’s Square at 11:30am, proceeding down the High Street.

The parade will pass under the Stonebow, with bayonets fixed, bands playing and colours flying, and pause at the War Memorial for a formal salute from the Deputy Lieutenant and RAF Waddington’s Commanding Officer at 11:36am. The Red Arrows flypast will be at 11:40am.

A commemorative reading by Melvyn Prior will take place at the War Memorial before the parade continues towards through the Cornhill and to City Square, where it will formally dismiss at around 11:55am.

Road closures and stewarding will be in place throughout the morning to ensure public safety and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to get a good viewing spot.

This annual tradition is a celebration of the strong ties between the RAF and the people of Lincoln. 

Kate Fenn, Civic & International Partnerships Manager, said: “RAF Waddington was granted the Freedom of the City in 1959 forming an historic and treasured link with the city. We are proud to celebrate this special relationship every year.”

Cllr Callum Roper, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience and Review added: “As the new Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience and Review, I’m looking forward to becoming more involved in events like this across the city, helping to inspire a sense of pride and joy among our residents, especially when it comes to our deep-rooted ties with the RAF.”