Cheltenham will reflect, respect and remember all those people who gave their lives for our freedom

On Sunday, November 9, at 11am, Cheltenham's remembrance service and parade takes place to honour the sacrifice of our armed services and civilians in war.

The war memorial in Cheltenham's Long Gardens on the Promenade will once again be the centrepiece for the town's service of remembrance and civic parade. The service will begin at 10.50am and a lone trumpeter will play 'The Last Post' before two minutes of silence at 11am, honoured by Cheltenham's mayor, Cllr Dr David Willingham.

After the Reveille, the service continues with prayers, hymns and the national anthem, played by Cheltenham Silver Band supported by the Cheltenham Choral Society.

The mayor will lay the first wreath at the war memorial followed by other civic dignitaries, including borough and county councillors, and representatives from local organisations. After the wreaths have been laid, there will be a parade and march past that the civic party will watch from the dais in front of the Municipal Offices.

Cllr Dr David Willingham invites any ex-service personnel who would like to take part in the parade and march past to form up at 10.35am in front of the shops and bus stops on the Promenade.

The Cheltenham branch of the Royal British Legion, Veterans, Cheltenham Royal Naval Association; Royal Observer Corps; 501 Squadron RAuxAF (RAF Brize Norton), ARRC and Joint Services Signals Unit will all be taking part in the service. Also attending and parading will be detachments from the Navy, Army, and RAF Cadets, St John's Ambulance Cadets, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), patrols from local Scouts, Cubs, Girl Guides and Brownies.

Wing Commander Roy Roberts, chair of the Cheltenham branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "As we gather once again for Remembrance, we are reminded of the deep significance of this tradition. Standing with the community, we honour not only the memory of those who gave their lives but also those who continue to serve and protect us today.

"It is humbling to witness the ongoing commitment of Cheltenham's residents to this act of reflection, showing that the sacrifices made in the past, including by local civilians, are still respected and remembered by every generation. Lest We Forget - thank you."

Cllr Dr David Willingham, Cheltenham's mayor, added: "Each year, Remembrance Sunday gives us a chance to stand silently together and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of defending the freedoms we hold dear, and in recognition of the dedication and commitment of all service personnel, past and present, who have served our country.

"I encourage anyone who would like to pay their respects to join the service at the Cheltenham war memorial on the Promenade on Remembrance Sunday."

The event will be live streamed on the Cheltenham Borough Council YouTube channel.

On Armistice Day, Tuesday, November 11, the town will pause to remember, with a two-minute silence and short service. Cheltenham Borough Council is supporting The Royal British Legion by encouraging businesses, shops, offices and individuals to pause to remember at 11am.

In place until Friday, November 14 - dedication of the Field of Remembrance in the Long Gardens adjacent to the war memorial for small crosses to be laid in memory of loved ones.