Remembering our fallen heroes: all you need to know about Remembrance Sunday plans

As the city of Manchester prepares to mark Remembrance Sunday on November 12, 2023, its residents are ready to unite in a solemn ceremony to honour and remember those who sacrificed their lives in past conflicts.

People from all walks of life are invited to pay their respects and commemorate fallen heroes.

Remembrance Sunday 2023

The Remembrance procession is scheduled to commence at 10.25 am from John Dalton Street.

The procession will head towards the Cenotaph in St Peter’s Square, with a special escort by the combined Lancashire Artillery Volunteers and Greater Manchester Police Band.

Shortly after, at 10.45 am, the Civic procession will journey from Mount Street to the Cenotaph, led by the inspiring presence of the Scots Guards Association Pipe Band.

St Peter’s Square Cenotaph

The Cenotaph in St. Peter’s Square will witness a gathering of civic dignitaries, servicemen and women, service and ex-service organisations, faith leaders, emergency services, and other uniformed groups, who will unite with the public to remember and reflect.

The traditional two-minute silence, a poignant moment in the proceedings, will be heralded by the firing of a 105mm gun, paying homage to the fallen heroes of the city.

Laying of the Wreaths

A moving part of the ceremony will be the laying of wreaths on the Cenotaph by various dignitaries and organisations.

These include:

• The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester on behalf of His Majesty The King
• The Lord Mayor of Manchester on behalf of the City
• Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force
• Reserve Forces represented by 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery
• The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and 206 (NW) MMR
• Royal British Legion on behalf of ex-service men and women
• Manchester Consular Association on behalf of Commonwealth Allies
• Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
• Young Faith Representatives

Following the conclusion of the Cenotaph service, the parade will proceed to Central Library for the march past by current and ex-servicemen, with the poignant strains of the National Anthem playing as a tribute.

Once the solemn event concludes, the crowd control barriers will be removed, allowing members of the public to place their tributes around the memorial, ensuring that their heartfelt sentiments are respected and acknowledged.

The Last Post Livestream

For those who cannot attend the commemoration event in person, a livestream of The Exhortation, The Last Post, and the two-minute silence will be available on the day, starting from 10.45 am, here

Councillor Yasmine Dar, Lord Mayor of Manchester, expressed her thoughts, saying, “It is with solemnity that we come together today, Remembrance Sunday, to reflect on both the conflicts of the past and those that persist today.

“It gives us the opportunity to pay our deepest respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our country and to honour our veterans and the brave men and women serving in our armed forces.

“Let us also remember the innocent civilians who, tragically, have lost their lives, men, women, children, and babies.

“It is my privilege to mark this commemoration with the people of Manchester.”

To ensure the safety and security of all attendees, a series of road closures will be in effect between 7 am and 1 pm on the day.

For more information and details regarding road closures, please click here

As Manchester readies itself for Remembrance Sunday, the entire community stands together, showing that their respect and gratitude for the fallen.

TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Metrolink

No trams will run through St Peter’s Square between 10.02am and 12.30pm. Please visit TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester) for more information.

Road closures from 7am – 1pm (Sunday 12 November only)

John Dalton Street (Deansgate to Cross Street)

Princess Street (Cross Street to Portland Street) – hard closure at Back George Street

Cross Street (Princess Street to King Street)

Peter Street (Deansgate to Oxford Street) – hard closure at Watson Street

Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street) – hard closure at Hale Street

Mount Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)

Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)

Southmill Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)

Bootle Street (Deansgate to Mount Street)

Lloyd Street (Deansgate to Southmill Street)

Jackson’s Row (Deansgate to Southmill Street)

Central Street (Southmill Street to Mount Street)

Cooper Street (Kennedy Street to Princess Street)

West Mosley Street (Booth Street to Princess Street)

Bow Lane (Clarence Street to Princess Street)

St James’s Square (South King Street to John Dalton Street)

Ridgefield (Mulberry Street to John Dalton Street).

Parking suspensions will be in operation from 6am.