Wigan Council

05/26/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/26/2022 02:16

Duke of Lancaster's Regiment to celebrate new Freedom of the Borough with town-centre parade

The Duke of Lancaster's regiment is to be granted freedom of the borough from Wigan Council in a parade which allows them to march into the town "with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed".

The Regiment will gather on Believe Square at 1pm on 31 May and they will parade through the town centre, with a short stop at the Town Hall steps where they will be inspected by the Mayor.

Residents from the borough are being encouraged to get involved and cheer on the Regiment.

The Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux, said: "It is brilliant to be able to honour the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment with freedom of the borough.

"The Regiment has a rich history and have Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Lancaster, as its Colonel-in-Chief, which as we approach Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee just makes this event even more exciting and timely.

"I would like to take the opportunity to welcome members of the public, school children, businesses and community groups to line our streets to give them a big Wigan Borough welcome!"

The freedom of a town is the highest accolade that can be given by a local council to a military unit in recognition of their exceptional service and a sign of mutual respect between the local people and Regiment.

The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment is the Infantry Regiment of the North West of England and is over 300 years old.

Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Frazer Lawrence OBE, added: "The Regiment has long and close associations with the Borough of Wigan which we cherish.

"It is therefore a great honour for these links to be formally recognised with the granting of the Borough's Freedom and a privilege for us now to exercise our new Freedom by marching through the Borough."

The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment will form up on Believe square at approximately 1pm on 31 May and will then begin marching to the front of the Town Hall steps for inspection from the Mayor at 1.30pm.

From there, they will parade from Believe Square to Millgate, Hewlett Street, Library Street, Rodney Street, King Street, Wallgate, Pottery Road and Southway before coming to the end of their parade at the Edge.

Residents and members of the public are encouraged to attend the parade in support of the regiment.

Posted on Thursday 26th May 2022