On Saturday 12 September 2026, Imphal Barracks in York hosted a landmark day in the Regiment’s history as The Royal Yorkshire Regiment came together to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
The day brought every part of the wider regimental family under one roof: Regulars, Reserves, Cadets and Association veterans, all there to mark two decades of service, sacrifice and county pride since the Regiment formed on 6 June 2006.
Standing shoulder to shoulder
Forming up on the parade square in front of families, friends and distinguished guests, the parade was a striking tribute to twenty years of Yorkshire’s infantry. Serving soldiers from across the battalions stood alongside Association veterans, many proudly wearing their medals and antecedent capbadges.
One of the real highlights was the turnout of the next generation. More than 100 cadets took to the square, marching with pride and impeccable bearing alongside their Regular and Reserve counterparts, and showing exactly where the future of this regimental family lies.
A historic handover of the Colonelcy
The day also marked an important chapter in regimental leadership, with the formal handover of the Colonelcy of the Regiment. Lieutenant General Zac Stenning CB OBE officially handed over to Major General Sam Humphris CB MBE.
It was a moment to reflect on twenty years of achievement, from demanding operational tours around the world to the Regiment’s evolving role on the modern frontline, while looking ahead with confidence under new leadership.
A family’s afternoon to remember
Once the formal proceedings on the square finished, the mood shifted to celebration and camaraderie as a family’s afternoon got underway. Food stalls and hospitality kept everyone well fed, while games, inflatables and activities kept the children busy through the afternoon. Between it all, families, soldiers, cadets and veterans mixed freely in a relaxed setting where old friends found each other again, stories from the last twenty years were swapped, and new memories were made.
20 Years Proud
Saturday’s celebrations gave the Regiment’s anniversary year a fitting focal point, rounding off months of civic commemorations across the county. The pride and fellowship on show reaffirmed that the heart of the Regiment has always been its people, its communities and its families.
Here’s to the next twenty years. Fortune Favours the Brave.
