Armed Forces Parade and Muster

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In honour of The Queen’s 60 year reign, the Armed Forces will mount a special Parade and Muster at Windsor with Her Majesty on Saturday, 19 May.

Nearly 2,500 troops from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force will parade through Windsor Castle and town before Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh. They will then muster in the Castle grounds for a unique event before an audience of more than 3,000 Armed Forces personnel, their families, and veterans. An impressive, tri-Service flypast of current and historic aircraft will conclude the celebrations.

Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards said:

“Her Majesty The Queen’s support and encouragement over the years has created a very special bond between our monarch and her forces. That link is felt by all those who have the privilege to wear Her Majesty’s uniform both in the UK and on many varied operations overseas.

“The Parade and Muster will truly be a day to remember. It is an opportunity to highlight the unique relationship The Queen has with the men and women of the Armed Forces and of the role she fills in our lives.”

The custom of the Armed Forces paying tribute to the Monarch during a Jubilee year is an established tradition. Similar celebrations were held during the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the Silver Jubilee of King George V, and the Silver and Golden Jubilees of the present Queen.

The Parade and Muster will be the first time all three Services have visited The Queen for a dedicated event, and will be broadcast by BBC Television.

People planning to travel in and around Windsor on Saturday 19 May are reminded that there will be temporary road closures and potential delays as the town welcomes the tri-services Diamond Jubilee muster and parade.

Advice from Thames Valley Police and the Royal Borough is to allow plenty of time for your journeys and if you are going into Windsor to watch the spectacle please get there early. The best advice is to travel by public transport if at all possible.
Key information for Saturday:

ROAD CLOSURES
• Roads in and around the town centre close at 9.30am – Sheet Street, Park Street, High Street, Thames Street, Castle Hill, St Albans Street, all streets in the Guildhall area, Peascod Street, River Street, Victoria Street, Windsor Road, King Edward VII Avenue, Datchet Road, Thames Avenue, Barry Avenue and Goswell Road (roundabout with Charles Street and Arthur Road).
• Diversion signs will be displayed on all approach roads and police will be on patrol to help drivers if needed.
• Most roads are likely to be open again by 12noon EXCEPT the Windsor Road at its junction with Queens Road, Datchet; King Edward VII Avenue and Datchet Road which will remain closed until 4pm.

PROCESSION ROUTE AND TIMES
The parade will start in Windsor Great Park just after 10.30am and march to the castle along the Long Walk, re-emerging at the top of Castle Hill at around 11am and moving down Castle Hill, Thames Street and Datchet Road to re-enter the castle at Town Gate.

WHERE TO WATCH
• A prime place for public viewing will be on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle. The BBC will broadcast the parade and muster live and people will be able to watch on two big screens at the Long Walk (between the Park Street and Brook Street entrances). There will be refreshment outlets and public toilets nearby.
• Viewing areas for people with disabilities will be at Datchet Road and The Long Walk.

PARKING
• Most council car parks will be open as usual but the car parks at River Street, Romney Lock and King Edward VII Avenue will be closed.
• There will be additional temporary FREE PARKING at the review ground in the Great Park (access from the A332 Sheet Street Road).
• Centrica park and ride: 8.30 to 11.30am – enhanced service with three buses running a constant shuttle between Centrica and Charles Street; from 11.30am normal service with buses every 15mins. The last bus leaves Charles Street at 6pm. Centrica gates close at 7pm.
• Parking, loading and waiting will be suspended from 12.01am to 3pm in the following roads: Sheet Street, Park Street, High Street, Thames Street, Castle Hill, St Albans Street, Datchet Road, Farm Yard and King Edward VII Avenue.
• Resident permit and season ticket holders displaced by the arrangements will be given free alternative parking in any council car park (except River Street).

TOWN CENTRE SHOPPING
Shops and businesses in the town centre will be open as usual.

Information for the public is available from the council on 01628 683868 or at www.rbwm.gov.uk. Visitor information is also available on 01753 743900 or at www.windsor.gov.uk. Information is also available at www.thamesvalley.police.uk and at www.mod.uk