The sound of marching feet, military music and the Last Post will fill Northampton town centre on Sunday 8 November as the town comes together to honour those who served, sacrificed and never returned.

One of the region’s largest Remembrance Sunday parades is expected to bring hundreds of serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans, cadets and community representatives into the heart of Northampton for a morning of reflection, remembrance and respect.

Organised by Northampton Town Council alongside the Royal British Legion and All Saints’ Church, the commemorations will begin at 9.30am when the military parade sets off from the Market Square.

Led by the band of 5F RAFAC Northampton Squadron Air Training Corps, the procession will make its way along The Drapery towards All Saints’ Church, where a Service of Remembrance will take place from 10am.

Conducted by Father Oliver Coss, the service will include traditional hymns, prayers and a collection supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

The parade will bring together representatives from across the military and wider community, including the Royal British Legion, HMS Laforey Sea Cadets, Army Reservists from 118 CS Company, 103 Battalion REME, Combined Cadet Forces, Northamptonshire Volunteer Police Cadets, Emergency Services Cadets, Northampton Scouts, St John Ambulance, Northamptonshire Girl Guides and the 31st Northampton Boys’ Brigade.

But amid the uniforms, ceremonial traditions and military precision, the purpose of the day remains a simple one: to remember.

At 10.45am, attention will turn to the Town and County War Memorial Garden on Wood Hill, where civic dignitaries and military representatives will lay wreaths in tribute to the fallen.

The Last Post will sound before Northampton falls silent for two minutes at 11am.

The Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Mike Hallam, said: “Remembrance Sunday is a moment for our town and our nation to unite in gratitude, honouring the courage and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and remembering all those who have given their lives for our freedom.

“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 commemorations will continue at 11.45am when the parade reforms on Wood Hill for a ceremonial circuit around All Saints’ Church.

Marching past the Guildhall, participants will salute the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson, and the Mayor before continuing along St Giles’ Street, Fish Street and Abington Street, finishing just before the Market Square.

For Paul Chapman, chairman of the Northampton Royal British Legion, the occasion is as much about bringing generations together as it is about honouring those who have gone before.

“We encourage the community to stand with us, wear their poppy with pride and support the Royal British Legion on this significant day,” he said.

“The parade is always a powerful tribute to those, past and present, who have safeguarded our freedoms.”

Residents are encouraged to line the streets and take part in the commemorations. Public viewing areas will be available around Mercers’ Row, George Row, Wood Hill and St Giles’ Square, although pathways immediately surrounding All Saints’ Church will be restricted.

The memorial garden will remain open after the formal ceremony, giving families and individuals the opportunity to lay their own wreaths or spend a few quiet moments paying their respects.

For those unable to attend in person, the church service will be livestreamed on the All Saints’ Church YouTube channel.

Road closures and visitor information

Drivers should be aware that roads across parts of Northampton town centre will be closed between 7am and 1pm on Sunday 8 November to accommodate the parade and ceremonies.

Affected parking bays and taxi ranks will also be suspended, with a full list of road closures due to be published later in October.

Further information is available at Northampton Town Council.

And as the town gathers, the message at the heart of the occasion will remain unchanged.

We will remember them.

Pictured: Veterans take part in Northampton’s Remembrance Sunday parade. Photo: Stu Vincent Photography.