Duke of Lancaster's Regiment homecoming parades to start next week

by Natalie Evans. Published Thu 25 Nov 2010 12:45

Soldiers from The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment will mark their homecoming from operations in Afghanistan with a series of parades next week, from the 29th November to the 3rd December.

The soldiers of the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment will march through Manchester, Warrington, Blackburn, Lancaster and Carlisle – all towns and cities in which they hold the Freedom to march with bands playing, bayonets fixed and colours flying.

The majority of the soldiers have family in the North West and have recently returned to their base in Catterick after a six-month operational tour in Afghanistan.

The 120 soldiers will attend a Thanksgiving church service in each of the five parade towns and cities. They march through the streets of Manchester to the music of the Band of the Royal Logistics Corps. Music for the other parades will be provided by the Band of the King’s Division.

The homecoming parades are as follows:

The Manchester service and parade – 12 noon on Monday 29 November
The soldiers will attend a service in Manchester Cathedral conducted by the Dean of Manchester Cathedral, The Very Rev Rogers (correct spelling) Govender. Then at 1.00 pm the soldiers will form up on Urbis Plaza for inspection by the Lord Mayor before marching to the Town Hall.
more

The Warrington service and parade – 11.45 am on Tuesday 30 November
The soldiers will attend a service in St Elphin’s Church conducted by the Rev Canon Mike Finlay. Then at 12.45 pm the soldiers will form up on Church Street and march to the Town Hall where the Lord Mayor will take the salute.

The Blackburn service and parade – 12 noon – Wednesday 1 December
The soldiers will attend a service in Blackburn Cathedral conducted by the Canon Sacrist, the Rev Canon Andrew Hindley. Then at 12.50 pm the soldiers will form up and march to St George’s Hall.

The Lancaster service and parade – 11.00 am on Thursday 2 December
The soldiers will attend a service in Lancaster Priory conducted by the Rev Chris Newlands. Then at 11.45 am the soldiers will form up and march to the Town Hall.

The Carlisle service and parade – 10.00 am on Friday 3 December
The soldiers will march from Carlisle Castle to Carlisle Cathedral. The service conducted by the Dean of Carlisle Cathedral, the Very Rev Mark Boyling, will start at 10.30 am. At 11.15 am the soldiers will form up outside the Cathedral and march to the Civic Centre.

---

Comments about Duke of Lancaster's Regiment homecoming parades to start next week