On Sunday 13 November, a Remembrance Service will take place at the Cenotaph in Princess Gardens, Torquay.

The service is an opportunity for all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds to unite and remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth.

It is also an opportunity to show our appreciation for military and civilian personnel who continue to serve.  After the parade to the Cenotaph, there will be the traditional two minutes of silence at 11am, followed by a short service and the laying of the wreaths.

On Armistice Day, Friday 11 November, the Mayor of Torbay, Cllr Mandy Darling and Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of the Council, will be leading and observing a two-minute silence at 11am outside of Torquay Town Hall. The union jack flag flying on the Town Hall will be lowered in tribute. Members of the public are invited to join us to mark the occasion. In addition, the festoon lighting along Torquay and Paignton’s seafront will be changed to red, white, and blue from Armistice Day until Remembrance Sunday.

Cllr Mandy Darling, The Worshipful The Mayor of Torbay said; “Remembrance Sunday is our way of showing our respect for our Armed Forces and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in both of the World Wars and in more recent times. Our Armed Forces play a vital role at home and overseas assisting with peacekeeping and disaster relief. I do encourage you to join us to show your respects, if you are able to do so.”

Cllr Nicole Amil, Armed Forces Champion for Torbay Council said; “Remembrance Sunday is a chance for all of us to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. If you aren’t able to attend in person, I would encourage you to buy a poppy to support the Royal British Legion and to wear it with pride. I would also encourage you to spend two minutes at 11am remembering those who lost their lives on active service in all conflicts, from the beginning of the First World War, right up to the present day.”

To ensure Remembrance Sunday can be safe and secure, we are working closely with the Police. It has been requested that the whole of the seafront area is closed before, during and after the service. This will mean that Torbay Road will be closed between the Belgrave Road/Abbey Crescent junctions to Torquay Pavilion between 9am and 2pm on Sunday 13 November. Diversion routes will be in place during these times.

There will also be a parking suspension on Torbay Road, in both directions, active from 1am on Sunday morning through to 2pm on Sunday afternoon. Pedestrian access will be permitted through the closure times with drop off points for disabled and elderly attendees at Torquay Pavilion via the diversion routes.

Parking will be available at the following car parks:

• Lower Union Lane
• Shedden Hill
• The Terrace

The traditional Remembrance Parade in Brixham organised by the Brixham Branch of the Royal British Legion will start at 10.30am on Sunday 13 November, with parade attendees setting off from Kings Quay / Southern Quay at 10.40am. A Service of Remembrance will start at 10.58am at the War Memorial on Berry Head Road.

The Royal British Legion in Paignton will he holding a morning Church service at the Paignton Parish Church, which starts at 10.15am. In the afternoon there will be a wreath laying Service of Remembrance taking place at 3pm on Sunday 13 November at the War Memorial in Palace Avenue Gardens. Road closures will in in place between 2.30pm and 5pm around Palace Avenue Gardens and Coverdale Road.

As a reminder, members of the public that have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, are advised not to attend crowded events and avoid contact with other people. Wearing a well-fitting face covering made with multiple layers or a surgical face mask will also help reduce the chance of passing on any infection to others.