An event is taking place on 2nd March on Skipton High Street for soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment who have been awarded the Freedom of Craven.
There will be a special parade and day of activities in the town to mark the occasion for the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery “The Yorkshire Gunners”.
People are being encouraged to line the route of the parade, with local schools also being asked to participate.
Craven District Council’s member champion for Armed Forces, Cllr David Ireton, will be among the first people who greets the soldiers when they arrive.
He said: “The Freedom Parades are such spectacular events. It is a fantastic opportunity and honour for us all to show our support and appreciation to the young men and women who do a very dangerous, but vital job and put their lives at risk in service of their country.
“I would like to encourage as many Craven residents as possible to attend on the day to cheer on the brave soldiers. It is extremely important that our armed services know that they have support of all sections of the community.”
A spokesman for the Yorkshire Regiment said: “The 5th Regiment Royal Artillery ‘The Yorkshire Gunners’ are proud to be taking part in the Freedom of Skipton Parade on 2nd March 2023.
“This parade is a celebration of the rich heritage of the town, the Regiment, and those in the local area. It serves to strengthen the bonds between us all. The Regiment is looking forward to bringing its mission and capabilities to the attention of the local community by hosting stands, exhibiting the kit and equipment of the British Army’s sole weapon locating regiment. We are immensely proud to be a part of the vibrant Skipton community as the Yorkshire Gunners. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion and sharing our story, day-to-day life, and traditions with all in attendance.”
Craven District councillors approved proposals to grant Freedom of the District to the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery back in 2019. The Yorkshire Gunners have been based in North Yorkshire since the mid-1990s and recruits almost 80% of its soldiers from Yorkshire.
A spokesman for the Skipton branch of the Royal British Legion added: “We are very proud and honoured to have formed a lasting friendship with 5 Regiment Royal Artillery. We hope that the whole of Skipton and Craven will enjoy the efforts of all concerned that have made the Freedom Parade come to fruition.”
The Freedom Parade in Skipton will begin at 11am on Thursday 2nd March from the Skipton Town Hall car park, before heading around the centre of the town and ending on the High Street.
Immediately after the parade at around 11.30am there will be an awards ceremony outside Skipton Town Hall, followed by activities and displays, including entertainment and cookery demonstrations until 3pm, plus lots of opportunities to meet the troops and find out all about the Yorkshire Regiment.
There will be a number of rolling road closures in place in Skipton while the parade takes place. Between 10.45am and 12.15pm, a rolling road closure will be in place along Bunkers Hill, Newmarket Street, High Street, The Bailey from the junction with Rectory Lane to the High Street, Mill Bridge to the junction with Water Street, Swadford Street to Coach Street junction, Coach Street and Water Street.
There will be a half High Street closure between 11am and 3.30pm from the north roundabout to halfway down the High Street at the junction with Otley Street. Access to both roundabouts is set to remain open during this time and access to Otley Street will be open, however, Jerry Croft will be closed to traffic.
Motorists should expect delays in the town centre on 2nd March, particularly between 10.30am and 12.30pm and are advised to find an alternative route if possible.
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