Rifles Regiment take to the streets of Leeds

The public are invited to show their support for The Rifles Regiment as they march through the streets of Leeds this weekend (15 September) to exercise their right to the freedom of the city.

Saturday will bring together The Rifles, past, present and future as they take part in a Freedom Parade on Millennium Square. 8 Rifles a reserve battalion situated across the North of England were formed in 2017 and are Yorkshire local Riflemen and they will be joined by elements of 2 Rifles, Rifles Cadets and Veterans accompanied by the Band and Bugles of the Rifles.

The troops will march onto Millennium Square at 1.45pm with a Civic Welcome from the Lord Mayor, Councillor Graham Latty at 2pm. Following this there will be an inspection of the Parade by the new Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson, the Lord Mayor and Civic Dignitaries.

The Rifles will then exercise their Freedom by marching through the city and will leave Millennium Square, go down Cookridge Street, left onto the Headrow, right onto Briggate, along Albion Place, up Albion Street and left on the Headrow (where there will be a number of road closures in place during the afternoon) back to Millennium Square where the Lord-Lieutenant and the Lord Mayor will take the salute at approximately 2.45pm.

At 3pm the Light Infantry and Rifles Veterans Bugles Association will entertain the crowds on Millennium Square followed by a fabulous musical and marching display by The Band and Bugles of The Rifles, finishing at 4.30pm. There will be a number of road closures in place during this time.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Graham Latty said:

“The support that the people of Leeds give to our serving personnel and veterans is absolutely tremendous, and underlines the close ties and bond that we as a city have with our armed forces.

“We are therefore extremely proud and honoured to be able to welcome the Rifles Regiment to Leeds this Saturday, and look forward to another great crowd playing their part in what promises to be a truly unforgettable occasion.”

Notes to editors:

The Rifles formed in 2007 when four of the most famous Regiments in the British Army merged together into a modern and exciting large regiment optimised for 21st Century warfare. Formed in the crucible of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, The Rifles holds an incredible 913 battle honours, world record 117 Victoria Crosses (VC) and has a living history that is second to none.

Road closures: the parade runs from Millennium Square along Cookridge Street (crossing Great George Street), The Headrow, Briggate, Albion Place, Albion Street, The Headrow, Cookridge Street and back to Millennium Square. The closures will be introduced from around 14.00hrs for the parade to start at approx. 14.30hrs. The closures will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so and is expected to be by 15.00hrs at the latest. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.