Remembrance Sunday parade and services return to Ipswich

This November, people across our town will once again gather to honour and remember the members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives in conflict and in service to their country. The annual Remembrance events offer a meaningful opportunity for the community to pause, reflect, and show gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as to support veterans and serving personnel today.

The main Remembrance Sunday service takes place on Sunday 8 November at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park. Organised jointly by the Royal British Legion and Ipswich Borough Council, the service begins at 10.50am. It will bring together veterans, civic leaders, cadets, and various local organisations to pay their respects.

Ahead of the service, a parade of military representatives and youth organisations will march through the town centre. Leaving Elm Street at around 10.15am, the procession will travel along Museum Street, Westgate Street, Tavern Street, Northgate Street, Upper Brook Street, and Crown Street, before heading into Soane Street. You are very welcome to line the route and watch the march, though organisers ask that everyone leaves plenty of space for the parade and follows any guidance from police and security staff. Following the service, the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne, and the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Mark Pendlington DL, will take the salute at the March Past.

A few days later, on Armistice Day, Wednesday 11 November, further services of remembrance will be held. From 10.50am, veterans and children from local schools will gather at the Fields of Honour in the Old Cemetery, as well as at the Cenotaph in the park. The traditional sounding of maroons will mark the beginning and the end of a two-minute silence at exactly 11am, allowing everyone a quiet moment of reflection.

Reflecting on the importance of these events, Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne noted that this time of year is dedicated to paying respects to all who have served or been affected by conflict.

“We come together to remember those from Ipswich and across the Commonwealth who gave their lives to protect our democracy and freedoms, and to thank those serving today,” she said.

The Mayor also emphasised the importance of the community continuing to reflect on the sacrifices made by ordinary people on our behalf, and encouraged people to offer their support by purchasing a poppy.

Parade Route and Road Closures

To ensure the safety of the parade on Sunday 8 November, there will be rolling road closures lasting up to ten minutes. These will take place between 10am and 10.45am, and again between 12.30pm and 1.15pm, affecting roads including The Cornhill and the surrounding area. The specific restrictions are:

• Elm Street: Full closure Civic Drive to Museum Street
• Museum Street: Full closure Crown Street to Princes Street
• Westgate Street: Partial closure between Museum Street and Cornhill
• Cornhill: Full closure Westgate Street to Tavern Street
• Tavern Street: Full closure Cornhill to Northgate Street
• Northgate Street: Full closure Tavern Street to Crown Street
• Upper Brook Street: Full closure Tacket Street to Northgate Street
• Crown Street: Partial closure Fonnereau Road to St Margaret’s Street
• Soane Street: Full closure St Margaret’s Street to Bolton Lane

There will be no road closures for the Armistice Day events on Wednesday 11 November.

How to get involved and support the Poppy Appeal

A key part of the remembrance period is the annual Poppy Appeal, which raises essential funds for the Royal British Legion’s work supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families. The 2026 appeal is already underway, with poppies available to buy from 22 October at local supermarkets, high street shops, train stations, and the Royal British Legion’s online shop.

You can attend the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph on 8 November from 10.50am, or watch the parade from 10.15am in the town centre. The Armistice Day services take place on 11 November at 10.50am at the Old Cemetery and the Cenotaph. To find out more about the Royal British Legion’s work or to make a donation online, please visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal.

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