Due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, and the importance of slowing the spread and keeping our communities safe, Remembrance and Armistice Days will be marked very differently in Bedford this year.

Remembrance Sunday falls on Sunday 8th November. Normally this would see crowds of people join an event on Bedford’s Embankment, but this year, organisers at the Bedford Branch of the Royal British Legion are asking people to stay away to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

A socially distanced service for members of the Royal British Legion and local representatives will take place and the Royal British Legion and Bedford Borough Council are looking at plans for this to be broadcast online.

Armistice Day on the 11th November will also be marked by a ceremony with a small invited group in order to be COVID-19 secure and keep those attending safe.

Robin Thomas from the Bedford Branch of the Royal British Legion said: “With rates of COVID-19 infection rising and government guidance about the rule of 6, this year’s events will be very different. Sadly we are asking the public not to attend and instead to follow events online, or nationally on TV or on the radio rather than risking the virus spreading.

“We know this will be very disappointing to people and we would like to thank everyone for their understanding. A small invited group will attend to show their respects on behalf of the community and remember those who have lost their lives in conflict around the globe and we hope to be able to broadcast this online.”

In the run-up to Remembrance and Armistice, The Higgins Bedford Knitting and Crochet Group are making poppies which will be displayed at the museum and everyone is invited to join.

Please donate your red, white (symbolising peace) or purple (in remembrance of the animals killed in war) in the poppy box at The Higgins Bedford by Monday 26 October.