Ipswich encouraged to mark Remembrance Sunday from home

Published29th October 2020

On Sunday 8 November, a simple service will be held at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park to mark Remembrance Sunday. A limited number of guests will be invited to attend the service and to ensure the safety of all those involved, strict social distancing measures will be in place. There will be no formal parades, processions, fly passes or bands at the service.

The public will be able to listen to the service on BBC Radio Suffolk, and watch the video stream live at www.bbc.co.uk. The video stream will also be available on BBC iPlayer after the event. Links to the live video stream will be available closer to the event. Photos from the service will be published across social media. 

View the Order of Service to follow along at home here.

The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Jan Parry says: “It’s a shame that we cannot come together to commemorate Remembrance Sunday but right now, we all have a responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19. We can still take time to reflect and honour the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and thank veterans and those actively serving in our Armed Forces.

“We can mark the day in many safe ways. I would encourage people to watch the live stream service, take part in the national two minutes’ silence and visit the Ipswich Borough Council and Royal British Legion websites for ideas to involve the whole family. Whatever you do to commemorate Remembrance Sunday, please make sure you do it safely.”

Peter Cook, Editor of BBC Radio Suffolk and BBC Radio Norfolk says: “At a time when our communities can’t get together to remember the fallen I’m very pleased that BBC Radio Suffolk can make a difference by marking this moment of collective remembrance by bringing it the homes of our listeners and viewers with a special live broadcast and video stream”.

Residents are also able to support this year’s Poppy Appeal, which launched on Saturday 24 October, online and visit the photo exhibition by the Ipswich War Memorial Project which will be on display at Ipswich's Cornhill between 2 – 15 November.

The Council has developed a webpage full of alternative activities to help residents commemorate Remembrance Day from home, including making your own poppy cross or peace sculpture. There are also links to resources developed by the Royal British Legion.

For full information about Remembrance 2020, including activities to do at home and more, visit https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/content/remembrance2020.

The Council is keen to share photos, videos, stories and artwork of residents commemorating Remembrance 2020 from their home. People can tag the Council in their posts on Twitter @IpswichGov or Facebook: www.facebook.com/ipswichgov.