The Freedom of Entry march will see thousands of officers and sailors from HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell march through Nowra on Friday, November 23.

Swords will be drawn, bayonets fixed, bands will be playing and colours will fly as part of the colourful tradition. 

The march dates back to when nobles would maintain independent companies of armed men who were rarely admitted to other cities. 

However, in special cases, often for mutual protection, armed men were allowed the special privilege of freedom of entry to the city.

Through its British heritage the Australian Defence Force has maintained the tradition of Freedom of Entry.

It is considered a privilege to be granted Freedom of Entry to a city.

Fiona Sneath, captain commanding officer of HMAS Albatross said this year is particularly exciting. 

“This is the 70^th anniversary of the commissioning of HMAS Albatross and the 65^th for HMAS Creswell,” she said. 

“There’ll be thousands of uniformed officers, our rock band and a ceremonial sunset at 8pm so we’re hoping for lots of community support.” 

The first Freedom of Entry to the Shoalhaven City was granted to HMAS Albatross and Creswell in 1979 following the dissolution of the Shoalhaven Shire Council and establishment of the City of Shoalhaven.

Freedom of Entry is a Community Event hosted by Shoalhaven City Council.

The Navy parade will begin at Nowra Showground from 6.20pm and continue to Rauch Park. Police will stop the parade, requesting the Royal Australia Navy provide proof of the right to enter Nowra and there will be a flypast of Naval helicopters of the CBD. 

From 7pm everyone is invited to join in the celebrations at a street party held in the intersection of Junction Street and Kinghorne Street, which will be closed to traffic. 

The event will end with two other centuries old Navy traditions – Ceremonial Sunset and Beat to Quarters.

HMAS Albatross and Creswell last exercised the Freedom of Entry to the city of Shoalhaven in 2013.

For more information see shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au