Back with a bang

Sunday 16 October saw the triumphant return of Sea Cadets’ Trafalgar Day Parade for the first time since 2019. Four-hundred cadets from around the country were blessed by brilliant sunshine as they entertained the crowd in a packed Trafalgar Square – first with a rousing display of physical training, then with the glorious sights and sounds of the Massed Bands of the Sea Cadet Corps. 

Ten platoons of impeccably turned out cadets were inspected by senior Royal Navy personnel, before guests, including the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Hamza Taouzzale, laid wreaths at the foot of Nelson’s Column. 

A moving rendition of The Last Post was followed with a service by Reverend Andrew Shuman, dedicated to the sailors who perished alongside their Admiral in 1805.

The final March Past saw cadets salute the Reviewing Officer, Rear Admiral Jude Terry OBE RN, as they departed for Wellington Barracks, via Buckingham Palace – delighting hundreds of watching spectators along The Mall. 

What was your highlight from the Trafalgar Day Parade?

“Marching down The Mall and listening to the band. I’ve been a cadet for six years so I have trained quite a lot for this moment!” – LC Amelia, Kettering Unit

“Marching past Buckingham Palace with the band and guards. It was nerve-wracking but incredible. The atmosphere was brilliant.” – AC Isobel, Loughborough Unit

“It’s all been an absolutely amazing experience – parading in central London, which hardly anyone gets to do. A massively proud day for all of us.” – AC George, Padstow Unit

“I couldn’t help give a little smile as I passed my family watching the parade, I felt so proud to be part of the band and to represent Sea Cadets. This was my first time taking part in Trafalgar Day and I already know I want to do it again next year. Roll on 2023!” – Cdt 1st Class Katie, Blackburn Unit

Photos: Martyn Milner