Duke of Lancaster's Regiment to parade through St Helens in honour of Freedom of the Borough
The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment will parade through St Helens town centre on Tuesday 1 July 2025, as part of a series of Freedom Parades taking place across the North West.
Article date: 24 June 2025
The parade in St Helens will take place on the 19th anniversary of the Regiment's formation and marks its Freedom of the Borough status, a ceremonial honour awarded by St Helens Borough Council in 2023 that reflects the borough's long-standing relationship with the Regiment and recognition of their service at home and abroad.
The event will include serving soldiers in ceremonial uniform carrying the Regiment's ceremonial colours, offering the public a chance to witness this proud tradition and show support for the Armed Forces.
The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, the Army division for St Helens Borough, was formed on 1st July 2006 from the merger of three historic Northwest Regiments. The Regiment has won 60 Victoria Crosses and a George Cross.
Thirteen of its 303 battle honours are unique, and it is the only regiment of any army at any time in history to carry battle honours from every inhabited continent on its colours.
Councillor Keith Laird, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for People, Performance and IT said:
"It is a tremendous honour to welcome The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. Their parade through St Helens is a chance for local people to show their appreciation for the service and dedication of the Regiment. It promises to be a memorable day for our community.
"This parade also marks the granting of Freedom of the Borough — the highest civic honour we can bestow. It is a proud and historic moment for St Helens, recognising the Regiment's outstanding service and long-standing connection to our borough. We are privileged to celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our deep respect and gratitude."
Councillor Lynn Clarke, St Helens Borough Council's Armed Forces Champion, said:
"As a council, we hold our Armed Forces in the highest regard, which is evident through our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, holding Armed Forces Day events and of course awarding our local army division with Freedom of the Borough. This parade is a fitting tribute to the courage, heritage, and ongoing commitment of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.
"It is especially poignant that this event takes place on the 19th anniversary of the Regiment's formation. I was honoured to present the Freedom of the Borough scroll to the Regiment during my term as Mayor of St Helens, and it remains one of the proudest moments of my civic life. This parade will be a proud and moving occasion for our borough, as we stand together to honour their service and celebrate our enduring connection."
Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Rob Singleton said:
"The Regiment has long and close associations with St Helens, which were marked by the granting of its Freedom in 2023. We cherish these links and it is, therefore, a great honour and a privilege for us to exercise our Freedom for the first time by marching through St Helens on 1st July 2025."
The parade will start in Church Square at 1:30pm, then move onto Church Street, Hardshaw Street, Claughton Street, right onto Cotham Street before finishing in Victoria Square at around 1:40pm.
To find what support is available in St Helens Borough for members of the Armed Forces, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/armedforces
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