Manchester’s annual Remembrance Sunday will look very different this year, due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
While there will be no parade or public service at the Cenotaph in the city centre, people will be able to watch a pre-recorded service at 11am on Remembrance Sunday 8 November on the Council’s Facebook page http://www.manchester.gov.uk/remembrancesunday
People are being urged to undertake their own acts of remembrance at home by observing the two minute silence, displaying an image of a poppy in their window and watching the pre-recorded service. People will also be asked to share their wartime memories, photos or videos using hashtag #RemembranceSunday or follow @ManCityCouncil.
Residents can download an image of a poppy from the Royal British Legion website to display in their window to remember those who died. You can donate to the poppy appeal as a one off donation or a regular gift.
Manchester Central Library will be lit up red from 8 -11 November to pay tribute to those men and women who died while serving their country. People who wish to lay a wreath, are encouraged to do so at home or a local war memorial.
Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Tommy Judge, said: “It is very sad we are unable to gather together for the city’s annual Remembrance Sunday, but I am sure you will understand that the safety of all those who would usually have taken part or supported the event is our highest priority.
“I would like to encourage the people of Manchester to take the time to remember, from the safety of their own homes, the ultimate sacrifice paid by those to whom we owe so much. Whilst we can’t gather as a community, we can still remember as a community.
“We will remember them, wherever we are.”
Alison Bunn, Royal British Legion Area Manager for Greater Manchester said: “Whilst it is deeply disappointing that Remembrance events in Manchester will not take place this year, we understand that the decision has been taken to protect the health and well-being of all involved.
“The public can all still play a part in ensuring Remembrance Sunday is appropriately marked and the Royal British Legion are encouraging people to participate in their own personal moment of Remembrance, whether that be watching the national Service of Remembrance on television or pausing for the Two Minute Silence at home or on their doorsteps.”
The Royal British Legion and Salford City Council will live stream a short service of remembrance and wreath laying from 10.50am on Sunday 8 November via the council’s website at www.salford.gov.uk/
The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Charlie McIntyre, who asked residents to remember at home this year because of the pandemic said tributes would always be welcome at cenotaphs but urged people to stay safe.
“I know some people will want to go and quietly pay their respects as they do every year. All I would ask is that they remember we are fighting COVID-19 and are now under strict national restrictions to get the infection rate down,” he said.
“Please only go with your household or support bubble or meet one other person at the cenotaph but keep 2 metres apart from them or anyone else in attendance. We can still remember those who served and fell respectfully but safely without risking further spread of the virus.”
