Published Friday 11 March 2016 at 15:27
A series of events will be held to mark the 100 year anniversary of Battle of the Somme.
The centrepiece of the programme will be a service at Blackburn Cathedral on July 3 followed by a parade by the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment through the town centre.
The Duke of Lancaster’ Regiment is the Infantry Regiment of the North West and dignitaries from all over the area will be invited for the service.
In the run up to the service and parade, a programme of First World War themed events will be held.
Events will also continue in the weeks after the main commemoration event to reflect the significance of the Somme campaign.
Schools, community groups and businesses will all be involved in marking the battle, which started on July 1 an ended 141 days later. It left 420,000 British, 195,000 French, and 650,000 German soldiers dead.
Colonel Chris Owen, the Regimental Secretary said: “The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, the Infantry Regiment of the North West of England, is descended from seven famous North West Regiments who fought at the Somme. Although there are national commemorations planned for the Somme Centenary, I believe that such a significant event in our Regimental history should also be marked here, in our Regimental heartlands.
Historically, we have held an annual service at Blackburn Cathedral on Somme Sunday and this centenary year will be no exception. Guests at the service on Sunday 3rd July 2016 will include Lord Lieutenants and civic leaders.
Above all we are keen to commemorate with our Regimental family, alongside representatives of the communities from which our Kingsmen, (as our soldiers are uniquely called), originate today, as they did then.
After the cathedral service we plan to hold a parade, with a full military band, through the centre of Blackburn”.
Councillor Mohammed Khan, Leader of the Council, said: “I am delighted the Duke of Lancaster Regiment has decided to hold this important commemoration in our borough.
“It is very important we never forget the scale of what happened at the Somme. It is a battle which touched every family in the country.
“We have done a lot to mark the centenary of the First World War in this borough and we will continue to do so. If you are thinking of holding an event, let us know and we will make sure we help publicise it,”
Councillor Faryad Hussain, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, said: “I want people from all walks of life to help mark this event. It is an event which will honour the bravery of those who sacrificed so much.”
The Dean of Blackburn, The Very Rev. Christopher Armstrong, said: “The Cathedral is delighted that this major event will be marked by a service in the Cathedral. It has been the venue for this solemn commemoration for 100 years and it is the least we can do to give hospitality to the families and friends who formed the communities from which the casualties were drawn.
“The service this year will mark a turning point in our national commemorations. The appalling events of that battle will not be forgotten but our commemoration will change.
“It is in Cathedrals and other faith centres that history is treasured and reflected upon in the hope that the future can be re-configured in a more wholesome way.”