Irish Guards 125th anniversary Northern Ireland: Huge crowds turn out to see regiment parade through Bangor in historic first

Some 200 of the regiment are in Northern Ireland this weekend to mark 125 years since their formation.

They were formed in 1900 by Queen Victoria to acknowledge the bravery of Irish soldiers during the Boer War.

Recruiting from across the island of Ireland, the UK and beyond, the regiment holds their traditional celebration on St Patrick’s Day each year, when members are presented with fresh shamrock by Prince William.

Historically they were responsible for guarding the queen, and their red tunics and bearskin hats are still famed across the world for guarding royal palaces.

In recent years they have deployed in the Middle East, Africa, Iraq and Sudan. More recently they have been involved in training Ukrainian recruits on Operation Interflex and in nations across Africa.

Thousands turned out to see the regiment exercise their historic right to parade through the streets of Bangor, which was conferred on them in 2022.

They also performed a static concert afterwards outside at the Town Hall.

Speaking on social media afterward, the Band of the Irish Guards thanked all those who attended.

"Thank you to all who supported us in Bangor for the Ards and North Down Freedom Parade yesterday and those who stayed for our concert at Bangor Castle Gardens!" it said.

"The band now turn our attention to our final event in Northern Ireland, the laying up of old colours. This afternoon, the band will lead the parade from Campbell College (Belfast) at 2pm, marching to St Mark’s Church, Dundela (east Belfast). We hope to see you along the way!"

The regiment is due to arrive at St Mark’s church at 3pm today (Sunday) for a formal ticket only church service. At 4.20pm the parade will leave the church and conclude at Ashfield School on the Holywood Road.

While the service is by ticket only, the regiment welcomes spectators along the route for their parade before and after.

Speaking after yesterday's parade in Bangor, Mayor of Ards and North Down Gillian McCollum praised the regiment for the show.

"What an amazing spectacle today as huge crowds turned out to watch the Irish Guards exercise their right as Freemen of the Borough, with a parade through the streets of Bangor and a wonderful performance by the Regiment Band at Bangor Castle,” she said.

The mayor also enjoyed a hug from the regiment's Irish Wolfhound mascot, Seamus, she added.

Major Steve McMichael, company commander, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, told the News Letter there were two reasons it was important for them to come back to Northern Ireland.

“This is the 125 anniversary year of the Irish Guards,” the Dundonald man said. “We were formed in 1900 by the order of Queen Victoria to represent all the Irish troops who fought in the Boer War at the back end of the 19th century.

“So it is very important for us to be able to come back to Northern Ireland and to the island of Ireland and showcase what we are about. As we are a frontline infantry battalion stationed in England, we don't often get a chance to come back.”

He also noted they will leave behind in Belfast an important set of their regimental colours – presented to them by Queen Elizabeth II – at St Mark's Parish Church in east Belfast. It will be the only set to reside outside of London.

Major McMichael said there are about 500 members of the Irish Guards. “About 35% of the battalion is made up of people from both north and south and from all different communities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,” he said.

Around 10% of the soldiers are from the Republic of Ireland.

Some other key events from their visit have been:

:: Beating the retreat at Carrickfergus Castle on Thursday

:: Remembrance event at Belfast City Hall Cenotaph on Friday morning

:: Beating retreat at Edenmore Golf and Country Club, Moira, on Friday evening.