Bedford Borough Council, the Bedford branch of the Royal British Legion and other partners are working together to deliver events to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Day this year.

Saturday 11 November- Armistice Day commemoration and two-minute silence

Armistice Day commemorates the agreement to end the fighting of the First World War, as a prelude to peace negotiations, and began at 11am on 11 November 1918. There will be an Armistice Day Commemoration and two-minute silence at 11am in Riverside Square, Bedford, What3Words location: w3w.co/event.noted.copper. Members of the public are welcome and are asked to arrive for 10.40am.

After the silence, the Standards will be inspected by the Mayor and Lord Lieutenant, after which the Standards are dismissed.

Sunday 12 November- Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony

Remembrance Day unites people across faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth. The day also pays tribute to the special contribution of families and of the emergency services and acknowledges the innocent civilians who have lost their lives in conflict and acts of terrorism.

The traditional wreath-laying ceremony, Service and march-past will be held at the War Memorial, Bedford Embankment at 11am, What3Words location: w3w.co/leave.river.fans.

Once the parade is formed up at the memorial, the Service begins, during which Civic Leaders, the Armed Forces, Veterans' Associations, Civil and community organisations are invited to lay wreaths in memory of those who gave their lives in conflict around the world. Whilst the Service is on-going at the Memorial, Bedford Town Band will lead the silence in Harpur Square.

After the Service, the parade, made up of the Bedford Pipe Band, Standards, Veterans, Armed Forces contingents, Civic Uniformed Services, Cadet Forces and Community Youth Organisations will march down the Embankment, across the High Street and St. Paul’s Square, finishing in Harpur Square.

Other Remembrance Day services will be happening across Bedford Borough, check local parish or town council websites, social media, newsletters and noticeboards for details.

Bedford Borough’s Armistice and Remembrance Day events are being conducted in association with the Royal British Legion and Bedford Borough Council, an order of service for the day can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/arts-and-culture/whats-bedford-borough/outdoor-events-and-festivals/park

Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton said, “This is an opportunity to pay respects to both the people who have defended our country in the past and those doing so today. I hope as many people from Bedford Borough as possible will be able to join us at the Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday events this year.

“I also encourage people to wear a poppy with pride and help raise vital funds for the Poppy Appeal.”

Robin Thomas, Bedford Branch of the Royal British Legion, said, “We welcome the community of Bedford coming together to recognise the dedication of our armed forces in the past, present and future, together with that of our uniformed public services, particularly during WWII and terrorist activity in recent decades.

“This year marks the 70th anniversary of the ceasefire in Korea and we commemorate the sacrifice of forces personnel deployed in the conflict and their families.”

For anyone planning to drive to these events please be aware that free parking is available at Allhallows Car Park for up to four hours every day, at Queen Street Car Park for two hours Monday to Saturday, all Council owned car parks for two hours on Saturdays and all day every Sunday.