PEOPLE will be able to pay their respects to the nation’s fallen servicemen and women at Leicester’s annual Remembrance Day service this month.
The commemorations once again take place at the Arch of Remembrance in Victoria Park, on Sunday, November 14 – the first time in two years that the service has been able to take place due to Covid-19 restrictions which were in place during 2020.
Some changes have been made to this year’s service to help make it more Covid secure. This year’s service will be slightly shorter than in previous years, and will not include a parade leaving De Montfort Hall, which would usually mark the start of the service.
Those attending will need to be in place by 10.45am, when the official wreath-laying parties will arrive at the war memorial. The service starts at 10.55am and will be led by Right Reverend Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, with support from Dave Andrews, a former BBC Radio broadcaster.
Two minutes of silence will be observed at 11am, marked with the firing of salutes at the beginning and end of the silence. Park users with young children or pets are advised to be aware that salutes are very loud and may cause alarm or distress.
Official wreaths will be laid by Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Colonel Murray Colville and the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Deepak Bajaj, together with representatives from local emergency services, military units and faith representatives. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to lay wreaths at the end of the service.
Limited public seating will be available, with chairs spaced appropriately, available on a first come first served basis. A seating area for anyone with a disability or who is unable to stand for long periods will also be available.
The close of the service will see a returning parade stepping off through the war memorial returning to the front of De Montfort Hall via Coach Drive.
Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Deepak Bajaj, said: “It is wonderful to have the opportunity to come together again at Victoria Park to honour the men and women who do so much for our country.
“It was extremely disappointing that we couldn’t hold the service last year, but it gave us the chance to reflect on the challenges faced by the members of our Armed Forces and remember the sacrifices they have made for us.”
The public car park at Granville Road will not be in use on the day, but a very limited number of spaces for disabled and blue badge holders will be available at the top end of the car park.
These must be booked in advance by emailing lord.mayor@leicester.gov.uk or calling 0116 454 0020 by Friday, November 12.
Road closures will be in operation on both Granville Road and Regent Road from 9.30am until around 12.15pm.
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