The town is preparing for a solemn Remembrance Sunday on 8th November, featuring a military parade, a Service of Remembrance, and a wreath-laying ceremony in the town centre. The event is organised by Northampton Town Council in partnership with the Royal British Legion and All Saints’ Church.
The commemorations will unite serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans, cadets, and various community and youth organisations, alongside the public, to honour those who have lost their lives in service. The parade is scheduled to begin at 9:30am from the Market Square, proceeding along The Drapery to All Saints’ Church for the Service of Remembrance, which will run from 10am to 10:45am. The service, conducted by Father Oliver Coss, will include traditional hymns, prayers, and a collection for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Leading the parade will be the 5F RAFAC Northampton Sqn Air Training Corps band. Other participants include representatives from the Royal British Legion, HMS Laforey Sea Cadets, 118 CS Coy - 103 Bn REME Army Reservists, Combined Cadet Forces, Northamptonshire Volunteer Police Cadets, Emergency Services Cadets, Northampton Scouts, St John’s Ambulance, Northamptonshire Girl Guides, and the 31st Northampton Boys' Brigade, alongside serving military personnel and veterans.
Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Mike Hallam, stated: “Remembrance Sunday is a moment for our town and our nation to unite in gratitude, honouring the courage and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and remembering all those who have given their lives for our freedom. This year’s parade will be one of the largest in the region, and everyone is warmly invited to take part in this important act of remembrance.”
Following the church service, a wreath-laying ceremony will commence at 10:45am in the Town and County War Memorial Garden on Wood Hill. The ceremony will feature the sounding of The Last Post, leading into a two-minute silence at 11am.
At 11:45am, the parade will reform on Wood Hill and conduct a ceremonial circuit around All Saints’ Church. Participants will pass the Guildhall, where they will salute the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, Mr James Saunders Watson Esq, and the Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Mike Hallam. The parade will then proceed onto St Giles’ Street, up Fish Street, and onto Abington Street, concluding just before the Market Square.
While access to the immediate pathways surrounding All Saints’ Church will be restricted, public viewing areas will be available on the outer pathways around Mercers’ Row, George Row, Wood Hill, and St Giles’ Square.
Paul Chapman, Chairman of the Northampton Royal British Legion, added: “We encourage the community to stand with us, wear their poppy with pride and support the Royal British Legion on this significant day. The parade is always a powerful tribute to those, past and present, who have safeguarded our freedoms.”
The memorial garden will remain accessible after the formal wreath-laying for members of the public to lay their own wreaths and pay their respects. The service will also be live-streamed on All Saints’ Church’s YouTube channel.
Motorists should be aware that road closures will be in effect across parts of the town centre between 7am and 1pm on Sunday, 8th November, to accommodate the parade. Details of these closures, along with suspended parking bays and taxi ranks, will be published later this month.
