City turns out to mark 85 years of the RAF Air Cadets with parade and service at Swansea Minster
Swansea city centre paused shortly after lunchtime as the RAF Air Cadets led a full civic parade from John Chard VC House to Swansea Minster, accompanied by senior civic leaders and representatives from the armed forces community.
The parade stepped off at around 1pm, travelling along Oxford Street and Whitewalls, where the salute was taken by the Lord Mayor of Swansea near the entrance to Swansea Market. Short rolling road closures were put in place to allow the procession to pass safely, with the return journey beginning shortly after 2.30pm.
Inside Swansea Minster, cadets, families and dignitaries gathered for a special anniversary service celebrating 85 years since the formation of the Air Training Corps. The service included prayers, readings and ceremonial elements led by clergy and cadet representatives.
In a statement earlier today, Swansea Council encouraged residents to show their support for the young people taking part, describing the event as a chance to recognise the contribution of the RAF Air Cadets to the city and the wider region.
Members of the public and uniformed personnel gather outside for the civic element of the event. (Image: Swansea Minster) RAF Air Cadets assemble outside NEXT in Swansea city centre before stepping off for the parade. (Image: Swansea Minster) Cadets stand to attention as clergy lead prayers at the front of the church. (Image: Swansea Minster)Flags and standards fill the aisle during the RAF Air Cadets’ anniversary service. (Image: Swansea Minster) Candle bearers lead part of the ceremony inside Swansea Minster. (Image: Swansea Minster) A young RAF Air Cadet stands at a lectern delivering a reading during the anniversary service at Swansea Minster.(Image: Swansea Minster)Cadets and clergy gather at the front of the church for the presentation of standards. (Image: Swansea Minster) Cadets carry ceremonial flags down the aisle as the service begins. (Image: Swansea Minster) Dignitaries join the congregation inside Swansea Minster for the anniversary celebration. (Image: Swansea Minster) Cadets stand in formation beneath the stained‑glass windows of Swansea Minster during the service. (Image: Swansea Minster) Clergy lead the anniversary service at Swansea Minster as cadets and families look on. (Image: Swansea Minster) Cadets gather inside Swansea Minster ahead of the 85th anniversary service. (Image: Swansea Minster) A packed Swansea Minster watches the RAF Air Cadets’ formal procession. (Image: Swansea Minster)
Swansea Minster later thanked those who attended the service, paying tribute to Reverend Canon Justin Davies for his homily and acknowledging the presence of The Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Louise Fleet JP, The High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Diana Stroia, and The Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Cheryl Philpott.
The Minster also praised the cadets for what it described as a “fabulous service”, with photographs showing the scale of the turnout both inside the church and along the parade route.
The RAF Air Cadets, founded in 1941, provide training, leadership opportunities and aviation‑focused activities for young people across the UK. Today’s event marked one of the largest public celebrations of the anniversary in Swansea.
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