The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry celebrated at Pontefract Castle
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Wakefield Council is celebrating the 80th Anniversary of The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) being granted the Freedom of the City of Wakefield.
The event at Pontefract Castle on 4 June, will see The Band and Bugles of The Rifles, delivering a traditional Sounding Retreat – a ceremonial military performance showcasing the rich musical heritage, discipline and pageantry of the British Army.
“This event marks a very special anniversary for The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and highlights the enduring relationship between Wakefield, its communities and the serving personnel and veterans living here today. We are delighted to welcome residents and visitors to enjoy this unique and memorable occasion with us."
Tony Reeves
Chief Executive
In 1968, the British Army was restructured and The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) disbanded. The Freedom of the City then passed to The Light Infantry. Further restructuring in 2007 saw The Light Infantry become one of the forming regiments of The Rifles, a new national infantry regiment. The Freedom of the City then passed onto The Rifles.
The KOYLI, The Light Infantry and The Rifles have longstanding and deep connections with the Wakefield District. The KOYLI Depot was in Pontefract Barracks. Y Company, 8 Rifles are based in Minden House, the last building from Pontefract Barracks still in military use.
Lieutenant Colonel Neil Watson, Commanding Officer, The Rifles, said: “Wakefield has a proud history of supporting our Armed Forces, and hosting this event at Pontefract Castle is a great way to recognise that legacy. It is a great honour for The Rifles to perform a Sounding Retreat at Pontefract Castle, showcasing the rich musical heritage, discipline and pageantry of the British Army. This event celebrates not only our shared history, but the continued bond between the Armed Forces and the local community in Wakefield.”
The event is free and open to all, with refreshments available on site. Members of the public are asked to be within the grounds of Pontefract Castle by 6.15pm, with the Sounding Retreat beginning at 6:30pm. The performance will last approximately one hour.
Hosting The Rifles Sounding Retreat is both an honour and a privilege for Wakefield, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to experience a unique military tradition in one of the district’s most historic settings, while honouring the enduring links between Wakefield and its Armed Forces community.
Find out more and book your place at www.ticketsource.com/wakefield-museums-castles/koyli-freedom-of-the-city-of-wakefield-80th-anniversary-sounding-retreat/e-zpxmoo