Norwich RAF parade brings road closures on 14 September

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-09-07 18:00 3 min read

An elderly man in a dark blazer plays a brass trumpet outdoors in rain.

Norwich will open Battle of Britain Week with a free public ceremony and RAF parade on Monday 14 September. The Battle of Britain Week Commemoration and Freedom of the City Parade will take place 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 specified a booking requirement, so the event is presented as a free public gathering.

When and where to see the Norwich parade

Personnel from RAF Marham and the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment will parade on St Peter’s Street before a ceremony on the steps of City Hall.

Date: Monday 14 September
Time: 11.30am to 12.15pm
Location: City Hall and St Peter’s Street, Norwich
Admission: Free, with the public invited to attend

The event is intended for residents and visitors wishing to commemorate those who served during the Battle of Britain while also recognising serving RAF personnel. The council announcement does not provide separate accessibility, seating or other visitor arrangements.

What will happen during the ceremony

The centrepiece will be the RAF exercising its Freedom of the City. This ancient civic honour gives military organisations granted the freedom the privilege of marching through the city with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.

An RAF officer will present a scroll on the City Hall steps, signifying the service’s right to exercise that freedom. Together with the St Peter’s Street parade, the presentation will mark the beginning of Battle of Britain Week in Norwich.

Norwich RAF parade brings road closures on 14 September

The commemoration recalls the RAF’s defence against two major Luftwaffe attacks in 1940. Nearly 3,000 RAF aircrew took part in the Battle of Britain. Their role in defending the country led to their enduring description as “the Few”, following Winston Churchill’s tribute to their contribution.

The Lord Mayor said Battle of Britain Week offered an opportunity to remember their courage and sacrifice. The Norwich ceremony will also recognise those who continue to serve, while the Freedom of the City tradition reflects the longstanding relationship between Norwich and the armed forces.

Road closures start before the parade

People travelling through this part of the city centre should note that the restrictions extend beyond the 45-minute ceremony. St Peter’s Street will be closed from 10am until 12.30pm.

Bethel Street will also close from its junction with St Peter’s Street to The Forum car park during the same period. Access to The Forum car park will be maintained throughout, although drivers may need to account for the surrounding closures when approaching or leaving the area.

Norwich City Council says the road arrangements are subject to change. Visitors can check the council’s event announcement for the source information and any subsequent updates before travelling.

Source: Norwich City Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

The event schedule, location, public access and traffic restrictions were checked against information published by Norwich City Council.

Checks

Confirmed the event date and its 11.30am to 12.15pm running time.
Confirmed the parade location outside City Hall and on St Peter’s Street.
Confirmed that members of the public are invited to attend free of charge.
Checked the stated road closure period and continued access to The Forum car park.

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