Council salutes as Grenadier Guards receive Freedom of Newmarket

Councillor Michael Hadwen and colleagues from Suffolk County Council were present as the historic regiment received one of the country's top civic honours.
Published: 13 Sep 2026

It was a historic day for Newmarket as the iconic Grenadier Guards were awarded the freedom of the town.

A freedom award is one of the highest civic honours that a British local authority can bestow on a military unit, and the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Mark Pendlington, was in attendance as the regiment marched through the town centre with colours flying and bayonets fixed.

Guardsmen on parade in bearskins and scarlet tunics in Newmarket.
The Grenadier Giards form up in Newmarket town centre. (Image: SCC)

Councillor Michael Hadwen, the leader of Suffolk County Council, was also in attendance, joined by Council chairman Councillor Louis Busuttil, members of the council's Cabinet and senior councillors to witness this historic moment.

The Grenadier Guards is the most senior infantry regiment of the British Army and can trace its lineage back to 1656.

A guardsman in scarlet tunic and bearksin with Councillor Michael Hadwen, right, and Council chairman Councillor Louis Busuttil
Councillor Michael Hadwen, right, with Council chairman Councillor Louis Busuttil and a Guardsman. (Image: SCC)

The parade took place on Saturday September 12 and saw a company-strength contingent of Grenadiers, accompanied by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, parade from the Newmarket clock tower to Tattersalls in full ceremonial uniform.

Soldiers and councillors march through Newmarket town centre.
The parade marches through Newmarket town centre. (Image: SCC)

Councillor Hadwen said: "This was a very special day for Newmarket and Suffolk, it was an honour to be there and on behalf of the council I extend my gratitude to the Mayor of Newmarket, Councillor Philippa Winter, for the kind invitation.

"The Grenadier Guards is one of this country's oldest and most iconic regiments and it was a real pleasure to see it parade through the home of British horse-racing."