Northampton will unite this Remembrance Sunday with a parade and service honouring those who gave their lives in service.
The event, organised by Northampton Town Council in partnership with the Royal British Legion, takes place on Sunday 9 November, bringing together serving personnel, veterans, cadets and residents for a day of remembrance.
The parade will set off from Market Square at 9.30am, moving through The Drapery and George Row before pausing at All Saints’ Church for a service from 10am to 10.45am.
Afterwards, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 10.45am in the Town and County War Memorial Garden on Wood Hill, with the Last Post and a two-minute silence at 11am. The memorial garden will remain open for members of the public to pay their respects.
At 11.45am, the parade will reform and make a ceremonial circuit around All Saints’ Church, passing the Guildhall where participants will salute the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire James Saunders Watson and the Mayor of Northampton Jane Birch, before continuing through St Giles’ Street, Fish Street and Abington Street to finish near Market Square.
“Remembrance Sunday is a moment for our town and our nation to unite in gratitude,” said Cllr Jane Birch, Mayor of Northampton. “This year’s parade will be one of the largest in the region, and everyone is warmly invited to take part in this important act of remembrance.”
The church service will include hymns, prayers and a collection in aid of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. The parade will feature Armed Forces personnel, veterans, cadets and youth organisations led by the 5F Northampton Squadron Air Training Corps band.
Viewing areas for the public will be available around Mercers’ Row, George Row, Wood Hill and St Giles’ Square, although access to inner pathways near All Saints’ Church will be restricted.
Paul Chapman, Chairman of the Northampton Royal British Legion, said: “We encourage the community to stand with us, wear their poppy with pride and support the Royal British Legion on this significant day.”
The service will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube via All Saints’ Church.
Road closures will be in place between 7am and 1pm across parts of the town centre, with some parking bays and taxi ranks suspended.
Full details are available at www.northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/remembrance.
