‘Remember from home’: Northampton’s schedule of virtual Remembrance Day commemorations announced

As coronavirus restrictions remain in place, this year’s Remembrance Day services have been affected.

In Northampton, the council led commemorations will all be held virtually on November 8 as the authority issues a ‘remember from home’ message.

The town’s Remembrance Day 2020 schedule will kick off with a pre-recorded broadcast of a socially distanced parade from the Northampton Army Reserves at their headquarters in Clare Street.

Due to government guidelines, a strictly invite-only service will then take place at All Saints Church led by Father Oliver Coss, which will be broadcast live for viewers at home.

A two-minute silence will also be observed at 11am in tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their country, which will then be followed by a Northampton Remembers video montage featuring contributions from the public, Armed Forces and Royal British Legion, among others.

Councillor Brian Sargeant, Mayor of Northampton, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in delivering a worthy commemoration of our veterans past and present during these unprecedented times.

“Usually there are thousands gathered at the Memorial Gardens to mark Remembrance Day.

“This year we are sorry the public cannot attend the service, but hope they will still participate by sending us videos commemorating those who lost their lives due to war, so we can honour them proudly.”

Father Oliver Coss, Rector of All Saints Church, added: “Remembrance 2020 will be a very difficult occasion for the thousands who would usually gather at All Saints’ Church to pay their respects.

“While it won’t be possible for most people to attend this year, it most certainly won’t be cancelled, and those we honour will most certainly not be forgotten.

“I very much hope that those who usually come in person will join us in spirit as we mark, albeit radically differently, this solemn occasion.”

Members of the public who would like to submit videos, photographs or memories in honour of local veterans can do so by emailing [email protected].

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