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 Armistice Day and Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Sunday: Wreath laying ceremony, service and march past.
Sunday 10 November, 11am.
Location: 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 and acknowledges the innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism.
We suggest people arrive at the War Memorial for 10.40am, ready for the march 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.
This year the Bedford Branch of the Royal British Legion will be using an improved sound system at the War Memorial to help more people listen to the proceedings.
Following the service, a march will proceed along The Embankment, concluding in Harpur Square.
A full order of service for Remembrance Sunday will be able to view from Monday 4 November at www.bedford.gov.uk/parkevents. On the day, there will be a QR code available that you will be able to scan with the camera on your phone to view the order of service. There will also be a limited number of paper versions 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 a wheelchair, along with one carer, these will be available on a first come first served basis.
Armistice Day: A moment of reflection and two-minute silence
Monday 11 November, 11am.
Location: Riverside Square, Bedford, what3words location: ///event.noted.copper
Armistice Day commemorates the agreement to end the fighting of the First World War, as a prelude to peace negotiations, and began at 11am on 11 November 1918.
We invite the Bedford community to join us in Riverside 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 Standards by the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant.
The Poppy Appeal launch takes place on Saturday 26 October in the Harpur Centre, Bedford. There will be no Poppy Shop in Bedford this year, however, poppies will be available in the major supermarkets and from a Poppy Appeal stall in the Harpur Centre until Saturday 9 November.
Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton said; “This year’s Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday events offer a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and honour the sacrifices made by countless individuals to protect our freedoms. It’s a time to come together as a community, express gratitude, and remember those who have served our nation. I urge everyone to join us in this meaningful commemoration.”
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 in particular we have commemorated the 80th Anniversaries of D-Day, the Battle of Normandy and Operation Market Garden, all of which were important steps on the road to the liberation of Europe and the ending of the Second World War. By wearing a poppy with pride, you’ll not only show your respect but also contribute to the vital work of the Poppy Appeal.
“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.
