Peterborough’s Remembrance Sunday memorials to be live streamed this year

The Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying ceremony and service usually attracts hundreds of people to the city centre to commemorate the end of the First World War in 1918.

However, with continuing restrictions on social gatherings, the traditional parade has been cancelled and residents are being encouraged to stay at home this year and honour the fallen in their own way.

Peterborough City Council, in conjunction with the Peterborough branch of the Royal British Legion and Peterborough Cathedral, is drawing up plans for an invitation-only wreath laying ceremony followed by a ticket-only service at the cathedral to commemorate Remembrance Sunday on November 8.

The event will be live-streamed through the council’s YouTube and Facebook channels and the cathedral’s Facebook page.

The ceremony will take place at 11am, with the Cathedral service starting at 11.30am.

Bridge Street will then be reopened to the public so people can visit the war memorial after that time and lay their own wreaths should they wish to do so.

The service at the cathedral will have limited seats available for members of the public, with booking essential.

More information on tickets can be found on the cathedral’s website.

The Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor Gul Nawaz, said: “Remembrance Sunday is an important annual event for us to commemorate those who have lost their lives serving their country, and we want to ensure we still mark the occasion this year, albeit in a different way.

“It has been a difficult decision to make, but the safety of our residents is paramount. We want to ensure everyone is still able to reflect and remember so the city’s commemoration will be live-streamed, including the two-minute silence, which residents can observe at home.”

Dr Liz Robin, director of public health for Peterborough City Council, added: “The safety of our communities has to be the priority and we all need to take the necessary prevention measures to try and halt the spread of Covid-19.

“We know that the changes to the city’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations will be disappointing news, but I’m sure people will understand that we need to do what we can to protect each other and gathering together is just not possible at the moment.

“The number of cases of Covid-19 is on the increase so it is more important than ever that we observe social distancing measures and avoid large gatherings to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. Adhering to hand hygiene advice, use of face coverings and social distancing guidance will help to avoid additional lockdown measures for our city.”

- Further details of the order of the Remembrance Sunday event, and details of how people can watch the live-stream will be announced nearer the time.