On Sunday 12th October at 9.15am to 10.45am a ceremonial event and parade will take place for The First Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles’ to exercise its Freedom of the Town, granted to them by the Folkestone Charter Trustees in 2004. The ceremony outside the Town Hall commences at 9.15am and will include a formal inspection, speeches, and a request to the Worshipful Town Mayor of Folkestone to exercise this historic honour, followed by a parade through the town.
Folkestone as a Town has a long and distinguished history of military association and over the years has received soldiers from many Regiments. The Royal Gurkha Rifles have found a place in the hearts of Folkestone’s Townspeople over the years. Their service, dedication, and courage have not only strengthened the nation’s defence, but have also enriched the community. Folkestone has been privileged to witness their parades, welcome their families, and share in the traditions and values that they hold so dear.
The Battalion (1RGR) and Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas will step off from the Parade Area outside the Town Hall, Guildhall Street at approximately 10.25am to process up Sandgate Road precinct, left onto Pound Way, right onto The Leas via the War Memorial, right onto Clifton Gardens and onto Sandgate Road to the Garden of Remembrance. Troops will remain at this location for the Gurkha Soldier Memorial Statue 10th Anniversary event organised by the Gurkha Memorial Fund from 11am to approximately 12pm.
Folkestone Town Council and The First Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles invite everyone to support the troops along the route. During the parade, traffic in the Town Centre will be managed using a rolling roadblock to minimise disruption and to allow the event to take place without endangering pedestrians
or road users.