A major military parade is to take place through Preston city centre to mark 100 years of the Cenotaph.
The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment will exercise their Freedom of the City to parade with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed.
Preston City Council say it will be ‘one of the biggest military parades to march through Preston in many years’.
Read more: The creation of Preston’s Cenotaph
The parade takes place from 11am on Saturday 4 July and will go from the Fishergate Shopping Centre and move along Fishergate and onto the Flag Market.
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.”
After the parade a short commemorative service by the Cenotaph and rededication led by the Bishop of Lancaster Dr Jill Duff will take place to mark its 100 year anniversary.
Current works to replace the paving stones at the front of the Cenotaph are expected to be complete ahead of the service.
Colonel of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment brigadier Rob Singleton said: “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.”
After the parade, families are invited to Fulwood Barracks to carry on celebrations with a family fun day including free fairground rides.
