Celebrations including a Freedom Parade in Halifax this weekend will mark the 20th anniversary of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment this month.

Halifax is set to host the celebrations, which honour the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, which was formed in June 2006, through amalgamating the Halifax-based Duke of Wellington’s Regiment with the Green Howards and The Prince of Wales’ Own Regiment of Yorkshire.

These regiments had a history dating back to the 17th century.

To celebrate 20 years since the formation of the regiment, a special Freedom Parade is taking place in Halifax town centre on Saturday (Jun 6), and people are invited to line the streets to watch the parade pass through the town centre.

The statue marking more than 300 years of the Dukes in Halifax, at Woolshops in the heart of the town centre

placeholder image — The statue marking more than 300 years of the Dukes in Halifax, at Woolshops in the heart of the town centre

The parade will leave Halifax Town Hall at 11am, before passing through the town centre, including past the Duke’s Memorial at the top of Woolshops, which will be one of the best places to view the parade.

This will be a rare chance to see the Yorkshire Regiment in full ceremonial dress, with military bands, cadets, and veterans all taking part.

The Mayor of Calderdale, Coun Andrew Tagg, said the Freedom Parade is a way of the regiment thanking the communities that have supported them.

“Calderdale has a long and proud military history and a close association with the Yorkshire Regiment, as Halifax was home to the former Duke of Wellington’s Regiment for more than 85 years.

“I’m proud to be able to welcome the regiment to Halifax, addressing the parade as it travels through the town, and I invite the people of Calderdale to join me in honouring the service men and women who will be taking part,” he said.

As a further celebration of the regiment’s 20th anniversary, Bankfield Museum in Halifax is hosting a free family fun day event on Saturday, June 20, from 10am until 3pm.

The event will explore more than 300 years of military history, with lots to see including historical re-enactments, live firing, talks and military displays covering 1702, the American Revolutionary War, the Napoleonic Wars, Crimean War, Second World War and the British Army in the 1960s to 1980s, says Calderdale Council.

There will also be a children’s trail and craft activities, stalls with object handling and opportunities for family research.