Countdown on to Australian Army Band Freedom of the City parade

Published: 06 Oct 2023 9:21am

In just over a week, our city centre will be filled with pageantry and music during the Australian Army Band’s Freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga Wagga Parade and free community concert on Sunday 15 October 2023.

The spectacular street march along Baylis Street starts at 10.30am and includes the ceremonial ‘granting’ of the Freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga Wagga which will take place outside the Civic Centre, at the corner of Baylis and Morrow Streets.

Following the march, the community are invited to a free community concert showcasing the Rock Band of the Australian Army Band Kapooka from 12.30pm at the Victory Memorial Gardens.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout is encouraging the community to gather along Baylis Street for the parade and then stay in the city centre for the ‘Hour of Power’ concert.

“It is going to be an exciting event and we would really like to see residents of all ages be a part of the day,” Cr Tout said.

“Find a spot along Baylis Street between the Wollundry Lagoon Bridge and Forsyth Street to watch all the military pageantry, including the ceremonial ‘granting’ of the Freedom of Entry to the City to the Australian Army Band outside the Civic Centre.

“It will be a wonderful opportunity for the community to show their appreciation for the Australian Army Band Kapooka and all that it has contributed to us over the past 70 years, and you will also get to rock along with these amazing musicians at their ‘Hour of Power’ concert in the Victory Memorial Gardens.”

The Australian Army Band Kapooka performs up to 300 official engagements for both military and community audiences every year.

It has provided hours of enjoyment and entertainment for community members, from its Music at Midday concert series and supporting Wagga Wagga’s Australia Day ceremonies, to performing at numerous community fundraising events.

The Freedom of Entry to the City event coincides with a reunion of ex-serving soldier musicians from the Australian Army Band Corps Association.

A Mayoral Reception will also be held in honour of the Australian Army Band Freedom of Entry to the City of Wagga Wagga parade.