Thousands due to turn out for Liverpool Remembrance service
It's the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy Landings and the Battle of Arnhem
Thousands of people are expected to gather on Lime Street today (Sunday 10 November) for Liverpool's Remembrance Day service.
The Band of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment and The Pipes and Drums of The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association will perform from 10.40am, leading up to the service.
There will then be a performance by The Lighthouse Gospel Choir, who will sing 'Abide With Me.'
The service will include readings and prayers by The Bishop of Liverpool, Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath, The Archbishop of Liverpool, Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon, and Revd Geoff Felton.
Darshana Borad will offer a prayer in the Hindu tradition, representing the Faith Leaders’ Group.
This year’s guest speaker will be Colonel Joe Harkon MBE TD, a former member of The Parachute Regiment.
At 11am, a traditional gun firing will mark the start of a two-minute silence, with a second firing to signal its conclusion.
Following the silence, key civic, military, and religious leaders, along with cadets, will participate in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony.
The parade will then march from St George’s Plateau to salute the Cenotaph.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, said:
"Our annual Remembrance Sunday service is a profoundly meaningful event that unites our city in paying tribute to those who have committed themselves to protecting the freedoms we enjoy today.
"This year is particularly poignant as it marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy Landings and the Battle of Arnhem.
"We must never forget and always honour the sacrifices made by all who have served, past and present."
A large poppy is displayed at the Bombed Out Church.
Several roads will be closed for the service - they are:
- William Brown Street from Byrom Street – 7am -1pm
- London Road between Seymour Street and Lime Street – 9.30am – 1pm
- Commutation Row between Islington and Lime Street – 9.30am – 1pm
- Islington between Fraser Street and Commutation Row – 9.30am – 1pm
- Lime Street between London Road and Copperas Hill 9.30am – 1pm
- St. John’s Lane and St. George’s Place between Old Haymarket and Lime Street – 9.30am – 1pm
- Skelhorne Street between Bolton Street and Lime Street – 9.30am – 1pm
- Queens Square Bus Station will be closed from 9.30am - 1pm