The 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Freedom of Entry to the City of Adelaide
On Friday September 8th all of Adelaide is invited to witness a spectacular military march through the heart of the CBD as the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, is granted and exercises its Freedom of Entry to the City of Adelaide – with swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying!
The Freedom of Entry March is an historic military practice dating back to 1661 when the Lord Mayor of London was notified when military units entered the city to raise recruits.
Today, the granting of the Freedom of Entry to the City of Adelaide provides a dignified way for Council to honour a distinguished unit of the Australian Defence Forces with a close association to the City. Once granted, the unit has the right to march through the City’s streets on ceremonial occasions in full panoply – which is exactly what will happen on Friday September 8.
Up to 500 soldiers and officers of the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment – accompanied by marching band and four armoured personnel carriers – will march in full regalia from Torrens Parade Ground to Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga. This event comprises four key components – each occuring in view of the public so you can choose to follow the proceedings from start to finish or pick a viewing spot along the route*.
Torrens Parade Ground (ceremonial form up)
At 10.30am troops will step out onto Torrens Parade Ground. After an inspection by Lord Mayor Martin Haese and City of Adelaide CEO Mark Goldstone, the Freedom of Entry Scroll will be presented.
King William Street (march)
At 11.40am the march itself will commence, leaving the Torrens Parade Ground and heading up King William Street towards Adelaide Town Hall.
Adelaide Town Hall (ceremonial Challenge)
Tradition dictates that a regiment’s Freedom of Entry be officially challenged. This will occur outside the front of Adelaide Town Hall’s main entrance, where the march will halt at approx. 11.50am. The Challenge will be issued by South Australian Assistant Commissioner, Philip Newitt, to the Commanding Officer of the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. The Challenge takes about 5 minutes to complete.
Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga (fall out/dispersal)
From approx. 11.55am, after granting of the 7th Battalion’s Freedom of Entry, the troops will be led to Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga for dispersal. Public proceedings will conclude at 12.15pm.
*Please note: no special public viewing areas will be set up at any of the key zones, so secure your spot early for the best view.
Road Closures:
- 10am to 2pm – Victoria Drive between Kintore Avenue and King William Road
- 11:30am to 12:10pm – SA Police to facilitate a rolling road closure located in King William Road and King William Street (southbound traffic lanes only) with the march disembarking in the northern section of Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga
This event is free to attend.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the City of Adelaide website.
What: The 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Freedom of Entry to the City of Adelaide
When: Friday 8 September 2017 | 10.30am – 12.15pm
Where: Torrens Parade Ground, King William Street, Adelaide Town Hall & Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: City of Adelaide
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