Starting from in front of St. John the Evangelist Church, Addison Street, Accrington at 12.00 noon the soldiers will march through Accrington, with drums beating, bands playing, colours flying and bayonets fixed, finishing at the Town Hall at 12:20 pm. (Please note that all timings are approximate due to the nature of the event.)
This is the first time that the Regiment, known as The Lions of England, has been able to exercise its right to march in the Borough, after being awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Hyndburn, the Borough’s highest honour.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said; “Excitement about the Freedom Parade is really building now. It will offer us all the opportunity to show how proud we are of our soldiers who risk their lives both at home and abroad to serve our country. Everyone is warmly welcomed to come and see the Freedom Parade and show our thanks and appreciation for the Regiment’s gallant and courageous service, so please come along on the 1st July to show them your support.”
Colonel Chris Owen, of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment said; “It is a tremendous honour for the Regiment and its soldiers to exercise the Freedom of Hyndburn, and it is fitting that we will do so in the home town of the Accrington Pals on the anniversary of their great sacrifice. Parades such as this give us an opportunity to publicly express our gratitude to the communities our soldiers come from. We very much look forward to July 1 and to thanking the people of Hyndburn for their long-standing and continued support.”
The day will feature a service for the regiment and invited guests at St John The Evangelist Church, Accrington, where Hyndburn’s Mayor, Cllr Munsif Dad will be joined by Mayors from across Lancashire, military dignitaries, cadets, the British Legion and those involved in Hyndburn’s First World War centenary commemorations.
The annual Accrington Pals Memorial service at the Pals Memorial on Church St Accrington is also taking place on 1st July at 11.30am and members of the public are very welcome to attend this.
There are likely to be disruptions to traffic, particularly when the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment makes its way into Accrington town centre. To keep delays to a minimum, we advise people to allow extra time for your journey and try to leave your car at home and catch the bus or walk in where possible.
For a map of the route please see Council’s website www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
The Freedom Parade is part of a programme of activities running from 2014 to 2018 in Hyndburn, to coincide with the programme of national commemorations of the First World War. For more details visit: www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
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