Preparations are underway for Congleton’s 2024 Remembrance service, as the community unites to remember those who gave their lives in service to the country.
The service will take place at the Lawton Street Cenotaph on Sunday 10th November.
A parade will assemble beforehand at West Street Car Park from 10am, to depart at 10.30am.
Led by Steve Evans from the Congleton Branch of the Royal British Legion, the parade will march along West Street to Swan Bank, through the pedestrian area, High Street, Market Square, and Bank Street, reaching the Cenotaph at 10.50am.
Following a two-minute silence at 11am, Rev Ian Enticott will conduct a short outdoor service.
Master of ceremonies Gary Dolman will then call on dignitaries and associations to lay wreaths.
“The Remembrance Service is an important occasion for our town, bringing people together to honour the sacrifices made by so many, including our very own veterans,” said town mayor Cllr Kay Wesley.
She added: “It is heartwarming to see such strong community support, and we are especially grateful to the Prinses Irene Brigade travelling over from Holland again.
“Together, we remember and reflect on the bravery of those who served.”
After the service, the parade will reform and march to the rear of the town hall via Market Square, where participants will be dismissed.
Dignitaries and groups in the parade have been invited return to Congleton Town Hall afterwards for refreshments, with a performance by the Mossley School choir.
To ensure the parade can march safely to the cenotaph, there will be rolling road closures between 10.30am and 10.50am on West Street, Swan Bank, Mill Street, Moody Street and Market Street.
Full road closures will be in place on High Street, Canal Street, Kinsey Street, Bank Street and Market Square from 10am-12.30pm.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
On Armistice Day, 11th November, the Royal British Legion will hold a short service at the cenotaph at 11am, with all welcome to attend.
In the lead up to Remembrance Sunday, volunteers for the Congleton Poppy Appeal will be collecting daily at Tesco and Morrisons – as well as at West Heath Shopping Centre on weekends.
Congleton Town Hall will be illuminated each evening with Remembrance Poppies from 7th-13th November (between 4.30pm and 9pm).
For enquiries in relation to wreath-laying at the Remembrance Sunday service, people are advised to contact William Brownlee by email: willieandviv@hotmail.com
