Bedford Borough Council, the Bedford & District Branch of the Royal British Legion and other partners are proud to announce events to mark this year's Remembrance Day and Armistice Day.
Remembrance Sunday: Parade, Service of Remembrance and laying of wreaths.
Sunday 9 November, 11am.
War Memorial, Bedford Embankment, what3words location: ///leave.river.fans
Remembrance Day unites people across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth. The day also pays tribute to the special contribution of families and of the emergency services. It acknowledges the innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism.
We suggest that people arrive at the War Memorial by 10.40am, ready for the Parade arriving from Russell Park.
Once the parade is formed up at the memorial, the Service begins, during which Civic Leaders, the Armed Forces, Veterans' Associations, Civil and community organisations are invited to lay wreaths in memory of those who gave their lives in conflict around the world.
Following the service, the Parade will proceed along The Embankment, concluding in Harpur Square.
A full order of service for Remembrance Sunday will be available to view from Monday, 3 November at www.bedford.gov.uk/Order-Of-Service. On the day, a QR code will be available that you can scan with the camera on your phone to view the order of service. A small number of paper versions will be available on the day, distributed by the Cadets.
There will be a limited number of spaces by the War Memorial for members of the public in wheelchairs, along with one carer, these will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Many other Remembrance Day services will be held across Bedford Borough. We encourage you to check local parish and town council websites, social media pages, newsletters, and noticeboards for details
Armistice Day: A moment of reflection and two-minute silence
Tuesday 11 November, 11am.
Riverside Square, Bedford, what3words location: ///event.noted.copper
Armistice Day commemorates the day and time when the guns fell silent, bringing to an end the hostilities of the First World War, at 11am on 11 November 1918.
We invite the Bedford Borough community to join us in Harpur Square for a short ceremony commemorating this pivotal moment in history. Arrive at 10.40am to observe a poignant two-minute silence, followed by an inspection of the Parade by the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant.
Poppies will be available in supermarkets in Bedford and Kempston from Friday, 24 October. The Poppy Appeal launch takes place on Saturday 25 October in the Harpur Centre, Bedford, with a short Service of Remembrance at 10am. A Poppy Appeal stall will be based in the centre of the Harpur Centre until Saturday, 9 November.
Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, said, “Remembrance is a time when we come together as a community to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country, and to reflect on the impact of conflict on families, communities, and nations. I encourage everyone in Bedford Borough to join us at these commemorations to pay tribute, show gratitude, and ensure that the legacy of service and sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Peter Davies, Chairman of Bedford & District Branch of the Royal British Legion, "We warmly welcome the Bedford Borough community to participate in these important occasions. These events provide a chance to honour the dedication and sacrifices made by our brave service personnel, emergency services, and civilians affected by conflict.
“This year we have commemorated the 80th Anniversaries of VE and VJ Days, which marked the ending of the Second World War in Europe and the Far East. By wearing a poppy with pride, you'll not only show your respect but also contribute to the vital work of the Poppy Appeal."
Additional Information:
For anyone who chooses to drive to these events, please be aware that free parking is available in Allhallows and Lurke Street multi-storey car parks for the first four hours and in Queen Street Car Park for the first two hours every day.
All Council-owned town centre single and multi-storey car parks are free to park for the first two hours on Saturdays and all day on Sundays.