Freedom of the City
The Honour of Freedom of the City is granted under section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 to “persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the City”.
Eminent service has been taken to mean commitment to a cause, voluntary or otherwise, for the City over a long period of time, twenty years or more. The individuals or organisations granted the Freedom have strong links with the City, but do not necessarily have to be residents.
The majority of Freedom awards have been to individuals.
Nominations for the award are usually made by elected members.
Freedom of the City 2025
We honour the City of Southampton (Albion) Band as they receive the highest civic recognition our city can give – the Freedom of the City of Southampton.
For more than a hundred years, this distinguished band has provided the soundtrack to some of our city’s most significant moments. From its origins as a Scout drum and fife band in 1916, to becoming a brass band in the 1920s, and eventually adopting the name we know today, the City of Southampton (Albion) Band has grown into a proud musical ambassador for our city.
Generations of musicians have played under its banner, marking occasions such as Remembrance Day, VE and VJ Day parades, and the unforgettable FA Cup Final celebrations of 1976. Many will remember that in 2016, on the 40th anniversary of that historic win, the band helped to recreate the spirit of that day, once again bringing people together through music.
Their contribution is not only found in their performances but also in their commitment to nurturing musical talent and welcoming players of all levels. For three decades, the band was led by Nick Dawson, who served as Director of Music from 1993. Nick’s dedication, musical leadership and love for the band left a lasting legacy that shaped its success and its spirit. His recent passing is a great loss to all who knew him, and we remember him with deep gratitude and affection.
We recognise the band’s extraordinary service to Southampton. The Freedom of the City is reserved for those who have made a lasting contribution to our community. There can be no doubt that the City of Southampton (Albion) Band has done just that. Their music has inspired, united and uplifted generations, standing as a testament to the power of community and the enduring role of music in public life.
Procedure
The Act provides that a special meeting of the Council must be convened with the specific object of passing the resolution to confer the title of Honorary Freedom – the highest honour that a Council of a City can bestow.
The procedure should be carried out with the utmost formality and the Honorary Freeman Elect should be invited to the Council Meeting and placed at the right hand of the Lord Mayor. The Council Meeting can be conducted on a different day to the honour being conferred.
After the passing of the resolution a newly admitted Freeman should take the appropriate Freeman’s Oath and sign the Freeman’s Roll, and his/her signature being witnessed by the Lord Mayor and Chief Executive.
A sealed and illuminated certificate of the grant of the Honorary Freedom containing a copy of the formal resolution contained in a suitable casket is then presented to the newly appointed Honorary Freeman by the Lord Mayor, and an opportunity given for the recipient to reply.
- Albert Warne - 2022
- Francis Benali - 2016
- Dame Mary Fagan D.C.V.O - 2012
- Micky Arison, Carnival - 2011
- Detachment 63 (SAS) Signal - 2008
- Regiment Royal Logistic Corps - 2008
- 266 Port Squadron. 165 Port - 2008
- 457 Battery. 106 Regiment. Royal Artillery - 2008
- Southampton University Officer Training Corps - 2008
- Lawrie McMenemy - 2007
- Queen Mary 2 - 2005
- Normandy Veterans Association - 2005
- Burma Star Association - 2005
- Matthew Le Tissier - 2002
- Merchant Navy Association - 2001
- Ted Bates - 2001
- 17 Port & Maritime Regiment Logistic Corp - 2000
- H.M.S. Southampton - 2000
- Captain & Ships Company of the S.S. Queen Elizabeth II - 1990
- Southampton Football Club - 1976
- Alderman George Millard Radwell -1968
- Alderman Mrs Kitty Elizabeth Cawte - 1968
- Alderman Mrs Minnie Cutler O.B.E. - 1967
- Right Honourable Dr Horace Mowbray King - 1966
- Alderman James Henry John Matthews J.P. - 1958
- Field Marshall XXX Right Honourable Jan Christain Smuts - 1947
- The J Jm Major Port Transportation Corps (US Army) -1947
- The Hampshire Regiment - 1947
- Alderman Fred Wooley J.P. - 1945
- Alderman Thomas Lewis J.P. - 1945
- Alderman Sidney Guy Kimber J.P. - 1932
