Remembrance Services and Ceremonies are taking place across Torbay on Sunday 10 November and Monday 11 November.

Torbay's communities unite annually on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community of the UK and Commonwealth, and all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

To complement National Remembrance Services, Remembrance Services, Civic Parades and quiet moments of reflection will be taking place locally in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

To ensure Remembrance Sunday can be safe and secure for all, we are working closely with the Police on appropriate road closures. We are also working with transport providers and contractors to make sure that Veterans and anyone with mobility difficulties can be present at the Torquay service.

At the centre of Torquay’s Remembrance Service will be the newly unveiled War Memorial (Cenotaph) in Princess Gardens. Over several weeks, the memorial has undergone specialist cleaning and repair work to ensure the memorial’s historical significance is maintained.

Cllr Hannah Stevens, The Worshipful The Mayor of Torbay, said; “Remembrance Day is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices that so many made and continue to make for our freedom. By coming together as a community, we can ensure their legacy lives on.

“We have Remembrance Services taking place across Torbay, so please join us if you can.”

Remembrance Services, road closure and parking information

Torquay

Sunday 10 November

Annual Remembrance Sunday Civic Parade and Service from 10.45am

A parade to the Cenotaph by the Torbay Armed Service units, Veterans and Cadets, will be followed by the traditional two minutes’ silence at 11am, a short service and the laying of wreaths. A maroon will be fired at the start and end of the two minutes’ silence.

Bay Brass will be performing as well as Exeter Pipe and Drums.

Cllr Hannah Stevens, The Worshipful The Mayor of Torbay and Deputy Lieutenant, Gordon Evans, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Devon will be attending to observe the traditional two minutes’ silence.

Due to the ongoing Torquay harbourside improvement works and the road closure that is already in place until the end of the month, motorists are advised to make themselves familiar with the diversion route and access arrangements for the area, especially if they are planning to attend the service after the additional Torbay Road temporary road closure is put in place.

Harbourside improvement work access information. 

Road closures

• Torbay Road will be closed in both directions, between the junction at Belgrave Road / Shedden Hill, through to the Torbay Hotel from 9am until 1pm.
• This temporary closure is in addition to the closure already in place at Torquay’s harbourside for the ongoing improvement works.

Parking

• Shedden Hill car park open and accessible as normal.
• Fleet Walk car park is open but can only be accessed via Rock Road.
• Beacon Quay car park is open but can only be accessed from the direction of Meadfoot Road or Torwood Street / Victoria Parade.
• Parking suspensions will be in place along Torbay Road from 1am until 12pm on Sunday 10 November.
• Marina car park, access via Torbay Road up until the time of the road closure at 9am. Motorists choosing to park here will not be able to move their vehicle until the Torbay Road, road closure is lifted at approximately 1pm.

Bus services

Bus passengers should be aware that during the road closure, all services will arrive and depart from the bus stops on Torquay sea front, adjacent to and opposite Abbey Park. 

Complementary shuttle service

Due to restrictions at the Vaughan Road (Pavilion) drop-off, a complementary shuttle service from Shedden Hill car park to the Princess Theatre will be in operation between 9.30am and 1.30pm for those unable to walk to Princess Gardens from the car park.

Pedestrian access from Torwood Street, Beacon Quay, Fleet Street and the sea front is unaffected by the road closure and ongoing harbourside works.

Monday 11 November

Armistice Day and two minutes’ silence

A short service outside of Torquay Town Hall will be conducted by the Torquay branch of the Royal British Legion.

At 11am there will be a two minutes’ silence. A pistol will be fired to mark the start and end of the moment of reflection.

There will be a short road closure in place from 10.55am until 11.15am.

Paignton

Sunday 10 November

Morning Church Service at 10am, conducted in Paignton Parish Church by Father Neil Knox, with the Paignton branch of the Royal British Legion.

Afternoon Wreath Service at 3pm in Palace Avenue Gardens at the War Memorial. There will be a short service, including a two minutes’ silence and wreath laying by Local Dignitaries and other organisations. Anybody intending to lay a wreath as part of the Paignton service should contact the Royal British Legion branch chairman by email, Paignton.chairman@rbl.community

Parking restrictions will be in place from 2pm and a road closure in place from 2.30pm until the end of the service.

Monday 11 November

Armistice Day two minutes’ silence.

A short service at Paignton War Memorial, with a two minutes’ silence at 11am.

Brixham

Sunday 10 November

A service of remembrance, arranged by the Brixham branch of the Royal British Legion will be taking place at the War Memorial, Berry Head Road. A wreath laying ceremony will take place at 11am. The Deputy Mayor of Torbay, Cllr Barbara Lewis will be in attendance to lay a wreath.

Brixham Remembrance Parade begins at 10.30am, assembling at the Man and Boy Statue, Kings Quay.

Part of Berry Head Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from 10am. 

Stagecoach free travel offer

Stagecoach will be offering free travel for all serving military, veterans and cadets on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. The offer applies to any serving personnel or cadet in uniform, those with a military ID card, and veteran wearing medals or veteran's badges attending Remembrance Services. 

Stagecoach free travel offer - all details

About Armistice Day

Armistice Day was established as a Day of Remembrance for those who died in the First World War, which ended at 11am on 11 November 1918. Remembrance events are organised by the Royal British Legion, a charity which supports the Armed Forces community, from currently serving personnel to veterans and their families. https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ 

The Big Wheel Fund

Work to the War Memorial in Princess Gardens was funded by the Big Wheel Fund, a donation made by the Mellors Group, the owners and operators of the English Riviera Wheel. The English Riviera Wheel is expected to return in 2025 for the twelfth year.