Welcome return for Sunderland's Remembrance Parade and Service
Service personnel and veterans from across the city will join the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Harry Trueman, when the city pays its respects at the annual Remembrance Parade and Service at the War Memorial in Burdon Road on Sunday 14 November.
The parade, which sets off from Sunderland Civic Centre at 10.35am, will be led by The Royal Signals Northern Band and the Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band. The 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, 8 Rifles and crew members from Sunderland's affiliated warship, HMS Anson, are among the other units taking part. As in previous years, the 4th Regiment will also be providing two field guns which will be fired from the terrace in Mowbray Park to signal the start of the two-minute silence at 11 am.
The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Harry Trueman, said: "I know that last year many people really missed being able to mark Remembrance Sunday by attending the service and parade at the War Memorial. It's always been such an important opportunity for the whole city to come together to pay tribute to all those who fought in conflicts past and present and those who gave up their lives for their country.
"So I'm really pleased that this year we're once again able to come together in person to pay tribute to all those involved in past conflicts, as well as honouring the servicemen and women of today and letting them know how much we value what they do and appreciate the sacrifices they make on our behalf.
The parade will end in a march past of veterans and serving members of Her Majesty's Forces. The salute will be taken by Lt Col ME Brocklesby RA. and the Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Harry Trueman from the steps of the Museum in Borough Road.
Members of the public are very welcome to attend. Anyone thinking of coming along is advised to dress warmly and be in place on Burdon Road by 10.15 am. In view of the continuing high numbers of Covid infections in the city, members of the public are advised to take precautions such as wearing a face covering, adhering to social distancing where possible and taking a lateral flow test before attending, to keep themselves and others safe.
Two public viewing screens, one on Borough Road and the other on Burdon Road, will provide good views of both the service and the parade.
Access to the disabled platform next to the War Memorial is available from 9.30 am. Parking in the Civic Centre Car Park will be available free of charge.
Burdon Road and Park Road will be closed from 9.00 am until approximately 2.00pm - with access to the Civic Centre Car Park from Park Lane only after this point.
Landmarks across Sunderland including Northern Spire Bridge, Penshaw Monument, Hylton Castle, Fulwell Mill, the White Lighthouse at Seaburn, Keel Square and High Street West, will be lit red from Armistice Day on Thursday 11 November until Remembrance Sunday on 14 November. The Beacon of Light will also be lit red for the Armistice Day.