Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of Worcester this weekend for the city’s traditional Remembrance Sunday Parade.
Large crowds are expected to watch the veterans, members of the armed forces, and cadets as they parade through the city to Worcester Cathedral for the annual Service of Remembrance – this year taking place on 9 November.
The parade will start at 9.15am from the Cornmarket, proceeding via Mealcheapen Street, St Swithun’s Street, and High Street before arriving at the Cathedral. At 9.40am, the Mayor of Worcester will lead a civic procession from the Guildhall to the Cathedral ahead of the service, which begins at 10am.
Following the service, which concludes around 10.40am, attendees will gather at the War Memorial beside the Cathedral for a wreath-laying ceremony.
A two-minute silence will be observed at 11am, marking the nation’s act of remembrance, followed by the singing of hymns and the National Anthem.
The ceremony will conclude at approximately 11.15am, after which the parade will return past the Guildhall, where the Mayor and civic dignitaries will take a salute.
Road closures will be in place between 8am and 12.30pm to ensure public safety.
Parades will also be taking place in Claines and St John’s and appropriate road closures are in place.
Councillor Dr Matt Lamb, the Mayor of Worcester said: “Remembrance Sunday in Worcester is always a deeply moving and unifying occasion.
“It is a time for us to come together as a community to honour and remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in conflict so that we may live in peace and freedom.
“I warmly invite everyone in Worcester to join us in paying their respects at this important ceremony of remembrance and reflection.”
The day before, on Saturday 8 November at 10.50am the Mayor will join an Act of Remembrance at the Woodbine Willie Memorial, St John’s Cemetery in McIntyre Road.
Geoffrey Kennedy was awarded the Military Cross during the First World War. He was nicknamed "Woodbine Willie" during the war for giving Woodbine cigarettes to the soldiers he met, as well as spiritual aid to injured and dying soldiers.
Next week there will also be a short civic service on Armistice Day, Tuesday 11 November.
The Mayor will be joined by standard bearers at the Cathedral War Memorial at 10.45am to lay a wreath. Two-minutes of silence will be observed at 11am.
There is an opportunity on Sunday (9 November) to see the Faberge ‘The Pear Blossom’ ornament at The Commandery between 11.30am and 4pm
The ornament, gifted to The Queen’s Own Worcestershire Hussars in 1904, is owned in trust by the Worcestershire Yeomanry Cavalry Charitable Trust.
The jewel is on display for one day only, to raise funds for The Worcestershire Soldier – a project to create a brand-new Worcestershire Soldier exhibition at The Commandery.
Visitors can also enjoy a short, free talk about the Faberge Jewel, on the hour from 12pm onwards.
On Friday (7 November) and Saturday (8 November) between 10am and 4pm there will be a Light & Shade Veterans’ Exhibition at the Guildhall.
The exhibition of artwork and poetry allows veterans to share their lived experiences, showcase their talents and give an insight into how creativity has aided their recovery.
