Preston freedom parade will mark 20th anniversary of Duke of Lancaster's Regiment

This weekend will see one of the biggest military parades to march through Preston in many years, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, along with marking 100 years of the Cenotaph.

The military parade will include several hundred serving Kingsmen, followed by a special service at the Cenotaph to honour local war heroes.

Originally built to commemorate the sacrifice of those from Preston lost in the First World War, the Cenotaph now represents those also lost in the Second World War, and subsequent conflicts around the world.

The celebrations will begin with a parade by the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment exercising their Freedom of the City to march as a civic honour. The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment is permitted to parade with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed, in recognition of its close ties to the city.

Historically, military units were not allowed to enter walled cities or towns bearing weapons without the express permission of the local authorities. Dating back to medieval times, the ceremonial privilege is usually granted by a city to honour a military unit and symbolises trust, respect and the strong relationship between the regiment and the local community.

The Parade

The ceremonial parade will begin at 11 am from the Fishergate centre and move along Fishergate and parade onto the Flag Market for inspection by the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Nweeda Khan; the Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Amanda Parker JP; and Brigadier R J Singleton, Colonel of Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

Following the parade and inspection, there will be a short commemorative service by the Cenotaph and rededication led by the Bishop of Lancaster, Dr Jill Duff.

Mayor of Preston, Councillor Nweeda Khan, said: "Parades exercising their Freedom of the City to march are always a sight to behold and this will be a spectacle to remember.

‘’I'm honoured to be Mayor at this special time in the city's civic history, recognising the importance of the armed forces to Preston and all those who have fallen.

‘’This important commemoration and celebration will no doubt bring the people of Preston together, as it always does, to honour and respect all those concerned and their families. We thank them all."

Colonel of Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, Brigadier Rob Singleton, added: "We are incredibly proud to be celebrating 20 years of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and honoured to be a part of the Cenotaph centenary commemoration. This event is not only an opportunity to reflect on our history and achievements, but also to remember our fallen, and thank the families and local community who have supported us over the years.

‘’We look forward to sharing this special occasion with the people of Preston."