Band will raise the roof in tribute to Pals

The Chorley Pals Memorial is planning a series of commemorative events to mark the centenary, which is on Friday, July 1.

The full programme has yet to be announced, but details of the first event have now been revealed.

Leyland Band will perform at Chorley Town Hall at 8pm on Saturday, July 2.

Local historian and trustee Stuart Clewlow said: “Chorley Pals Memorial are proud to present Leyland Band at Chorley Town Hall with a very special concert Pals On Parade, a selection of World War One era and military music.

“We are particularly excited to be hosting the debut playing in Chorley of The Pals March. The piece was composed in 1914 and has been specially reworked for us to be performed by a brass band.

“In a poignant act of solidarity Chorley Council and South Ribble Borough Council have both sponsored the event and will be represented by the mayors and their consorts.

“A number of Chorley Pals before and after the war had various connections to the communities making up today’s neighbouring boroughs and so it is a credit to both authorities for acknowledging the poignancy of the occasion.”

People are encouraged to wear self-earned medals or those awarded to relatives.

Tickets cost £10, available from Chorley Pals Memorial on 0300 201 1916 or Leyland Band on 01772 813895.