On Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, the Bradford district will pay its respects to those who lost their lives or were injured in conflicts around the world.
Due to extensive groundworks in the area surrounding the cenotaph, this year’s Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday services in Bradford city centre will be held in City Park.
On Armistice Day, Saturday 11 November at 11am, everyone is welcome to gather in Centenary Square for a moment of remembrance, reflection, and prayer. The brief service will be led by the Dean of Bradford, The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman, and attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Gerry Barker.
The Last Post and Reveille will be played, followed by a two-minute silence to honour the fallen.
The Lord Mayor will also be present at the annual Parade and Service of Remembrance in City Park on Remembrance Sunday, 12 November. The Civic Parade will assemble at City Hall and proceed around the Mirror Pool. The service will commence at 11am, led by The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman, the Dean of Bradford. The Sunset Ceremony will mark the conclusion of the service. Those participating in the parade are requested to gather in Centenary Square at 10.15am.
Wreaths placed during the Remembrance Sunday service will remain in City Park throughout the afternoon and will later be respectfully transferred to the Cenotaph.
The immediate vicinity around the cenotaph will be kept clear to allow visitors to pay their respects before or after the service.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Gerry Barker, said: “The extensive groundworks taking place in the area around the Bradford cenotaph has reduced the capacity of the area where the service usually takes place, and with up to 2000 people expected to attend, we’ve taken the difficult decision to relocate the services to City Park. This will ensure that there will be enough room for those coming to pay their respects to do so safely and with the dignity it deserves.
“The decision has not been taken lightly, and after careful consideration and in consultation with various representatives we feel that changing the location this year, is the right thing to do. We understand that this may come as a disappointment to some, but this decision has been taken with the safety of everyone in mind.
“The annual services of Remembrance in our district are always moving events. It is important that we continue to remember all those who have lost their lives, been wounded, have suffered or are still suffering in any way, due to past and present conflicts around the world.
“We will ensure that both the Armistice Day Service and the Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade will continue to carry the same significance as in previous years.
“The services are open to all, and I’d like to invite everyone from across the district down to City Park or to attend any of the services taking place in communities across the district.”
Additional signage will be placed in nearby car parks and around the Bradford cenotaph area to direct people to City Park where the service will be held.
Additional spaces for disabled parking for Blue Badge holders will be provided on Broadway for the Remembrance Service on Sunday, 12 November.
Services will be held across the district on Sunday, 12 November, with wreaths laid by civic representatives.
For comprehensive details on each of these services, please visit https://www.bradford.gov.uk/your-community/bradford-remembers/services-of-remembrance/.
City Hall will be illuminated in red on both Armistice Day, 11 November, and Remembrance Sunday, 12 November.
The Royal British Legion flag and the Union flags will be flown in the city centre and throughout the district until Remembrance Sunday, and Bradford Council vehicles will display poppies in tribute.
