Published on 7th November 2024

Soldiers march in a parade for Remembrance Sunday.

Commemorate those who served and sacrificed their lives for our freedom this Remembrance Day.

On Armistice Day (Monday 11 November) the council is supporting The Royal British Legion and is encouraging businesses, shops, offices, and individuals to pause to remember at 11am.

On Sunday 10 November, 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 Paul Baker.

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 Paul Baker invites all ex-service personnel who would like to take part in the parade 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, Royal Observer Corps; 501 Squadron RAuxAF (RAF Brize Norton), 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, patrols from local scouts, cubs, girl guides and brownies; as well as mounted police.

Wing Commander Roy Roberts, chairman 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 are still respected and remembered by every generation – thank you.”

Cllr Paul Baker, Cheltenham’s mayor, added: "Joining the town in remembrance is a great honour. It’s a time for us to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices made by so many for the freedoms we now enjoy.

“We also take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the service personnel, past and present, whose dedication to protecting our country continues. I encourage everyone to join us in this important moment of reflection, as we come together as a community to remember."

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

Download the Order of Service for the Remembrance Sunday service.

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