Remembrance and Armistice Events in Reading

READING comes together once more to pay respects to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the country, with two Remembrance ceremonies taking place in the town over the coming days.

Remembrance Sunday marks Reading’s main service and parade, which will take place in the town centre on Sunday 9 November.

Members of the public are invited to attend the Remembrance Service which begins at 9.25am at Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin. There will be readings from Mr Andrew Try, Lord Lieutenant of The Royal County of Berkshire, The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, and The Bishop of Reading, Rt Revd Mary Gregory.

Following the church service, a march through the town centre will be led by The Waterloo Band and Bugles of the 7 Rifles. This will leave Reading Minster at around 10.25am, before making its way down to the Forbury Gardens. Members of the public are welcome to join the march.

The Remembrance Ceremony at the Forbury War Memorial which follows will include the laying of the poppy wreaths and a two-minute silence at 11am, as well as a performance by Ukrainian choir Kryla (КРИЛА).

Tuesday 11 November marks Armistice Day this year and Reading’s Mayor, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, will lead a two-minute silence at Forbury Gardens War Memorial from 11am. Members of the public are again welcome to attend.

Mayor of Reading, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, said:

“The sacrifices made by both men and women to defend and uphold the values of this country never will be forgotten. The two events at Forbury Gardens are always poignant and I would encourage as many people as possible to join me on Sunday 9, and Tuesday 11 November, to honour those who have served, and those still serving, to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Cllr Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said:

“Reading’s two Remembrance events are always an important time of commemoration and reflection in the town, as we come together to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day and salute the bravery and courage of personnel both past and present.”