Residents set to line streets for 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

Residents are being urged to line the streets of Chorley next week to watch soldiers march to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
QUICK MARCH: The 3 Medical Regiment marching in 2015 after being granted freedom of the borough.QUICK MARCH: The 3 Medical Regiment marching in 2015 after being granted freedom of the borough.
QUICK MARCH: The 3 Medical Regiment marching in 2015 after being granted freedom of the borough.

The 3 Medical Regiment will pay tribute to those from the borough who lost their lives in the First World War by marching through the town.

The event, organised by Chorley Council, is part of a wider programme of activities being co-ordinated by the Chorley Pals Memorial Trust to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Peter Wilson, deputy leader of the council, said: “The 100th anniversary is an important date in our borough’s history because so many residents put their lives at risk in what was one of the bloodiest battles in the history of the British Army.

“I hope as many people as possible will come and line the streets to pay tribute and witness a very grand spectacle.”

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle will also be at the special event.

He said: “It is only fitting that we have a full weekend of events to pay tribute to the sacrifice made on our behalf.

“I am looking forward to seeing 3 Medical Regiment accompanied by the Kings Division Band marching through the streets of Chorley and helping ensure we have an event which will be a very special commemoration.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The parade starts at 11am at the Town Hall on July 2, and everybody is welcome.

The regiment will march through the town into Astley Park for a service and remembrance before the King’s Division Band will play.

Other commemoration events include a vigil at the Chorley Pals Memorial at 9.45pm on June 30, a service at the memorial at 7.15am on July 1, and a Pals in the Park family day out in Astley Park from 11am to 4pm on July 3.

The Chorley Little Theatre will also be showing the Battle of the Somme film from 1916.