Tenby Sea Cadets awarded Freedom of the Town
The historic ceremony on 27 September honoured the cadet unit’s 75‑year service, linking youth training with Tenby’s maritime heritage.
Sunday, 27 September 2026 saw Tenby Sea Cadets receive the Freedom of the Town in a ceremony at the historic harbour. The honour, the highest the town can confer, recognised the cadet unit’s three‑quarter‑century contribution to community life.
Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan presented the scroll of freedom to the cadets’ commanding officer in front of a gathered crowd. “It will be a very proud and historic moment for Tenby Sea Cadets, who have been part of our town and our community for 75 years,” the mayor declared.
The ceremony marked the 75th anniversary of the unit’s affiliation with the Navy League, a partnership that began in 1951. Since then, the Sea Cadets have trained generations of young people in seamanship, leadership and citizenship.
The cadet headquarters, housed in a converted warehouse on the waterfront, serves boys and girls aged nine to eighteen. Over the decades, the unit has supplied volunteers for local events, assisted in coastal clean‑ups and taken part in national cadet competitions.
A modest parade set off from De Valence Pavilion at mid‑morning, led by a marching band from the Royal British Legion. Cadets in crisp navy blue uniforms marched in step with the town’s flag bearers and council members.
The route wound down the steep streets of the historic quarter before reaching the quayside. Spectators lined the promenade, many waving miniature Union Jacks and Sea Cadet pennants.
At the harbour, the procession was greeted by the Vice Lord‑Lieutenant of Dyfed, who saluted the cadets before the formal presentation. The Vice Lord‑Lieutenant, in a brief address, praised the unit’s “unwavering dedication to youth development and maritime heritage”.
Following the presentation, the mayor handed the ceremonial key to the cadet unit’s commander, symbolising the town’s trust. The key will be displayed in the cadet centre’s main hall as a reminder of the bond between the organisation and Tenby.
After the ceremony, cadets performed a drill display on the harbour’s slipway, showcasing seamanship skills learned over years of training. The display included a knot‑tying demonstration, a mock rescue drill and a coordinated march to the accompaniment of the band.
Parents, former cadets and local dignitaries applauded, many recalling personal stories of the unit’s impact on their lives. “My son joined the Sea Cadets at twelve and it gave him confidence that still carries him into adulthood,” said a former member from the 1990s.
The event also highlighted the unit’s role in supporting the town’s tourism economy, as cadets often act as volunteers during the summer festival season. Local businesses reported a noticeable increase in footfall when cadets guide visitors along the harbour promenade.
The Freedom of the Town honour traditionally allows the recipient to march through the town “with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed”. While the Sea Cadets will not exercise a military right, the symbolic privilege underscores their status as a civic partner.
The ceremony concluded with a communal tea on the pier, where cadets shared stories of past voyages and future aspirations. The cadet unit’s commander hinted at plans to expand the programme to include a new sailing module for junior members.
Funding for the expansion is expected to come from a combination of local council grants and charitable donations. The Sea Cadets’ 75‑year legacy is seen as a testament to Tenby’s maritime identity and its commitment to nurturing young talent.
As the sun set over the harbour, the band played “Rule, Britannia”, echoing the town’s historic ties to the sea. The Freedom of the Town award cements a partnership that, according to the mayor, will continue to inspire future generations of Tenby’s youth.