Several remembrance events will take place across Torfaen on Sunday 8 November to honour those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present.
Remembrance Sunday is a national occasion that brings communities together to remember members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in conflict, as well as those who continue to serve.
Across the UK, it is traditionally marked with parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, services and a two-minute silence at 11am.
Parades in Torfaen will be held in the following locations:
- Blaenavon – 10.40am: Parade from the Top Car Park, marching via Broad Street and Ivor Street to the Cenotaph. 11am: wreath-laying and service at the Cenotaph.
- Cwmbran – 10.20am: Parade assembles on Clomendy Road/Wesley Street before marching onto Cocker Avenue and Cwmbran Park for the Service of Remembrance at 10.50am.
- New Inn – 10am: Parade assembles at St Mary’s Church Hall, The Highway, before moving to St Mary’s Church for a service. The parade will then return to St Mary’s Church Hall.
- Pontnewydd – 10.30am: Parade from TS Kittiwake, Mount Pleasant Road, for a wreath-laying ceremony and service at the Cenotaph at 11am.
- Pontypool – 11.45am: Parade assembles on Commercial Street in Pontypool town centre before moving to Pontypool Park Memorial Gates for a service and wreath-laying at 12pm.
Residents are encouraged to attend and pay their respects, but should allow extra time for travel due to temporary road closures in place to accommodate the parades.
A list of temporary road closures can be found on the Torfaen Council website (opens in new tab).
Several other services will also take place on Remembrance Sunday, with residents encouraged to check their local church, parish or community hall websites and social media pages for details.
Armistice Day will follow on Wednesday 11 November, commemorating the moment the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War in 1918, with a national two-minute silence at 11am.
Cllr Gaynor James, Torfaen Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said:
“Remembrance gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of all those who have served our country.
“It is always moving to see people of all ages come together across Torfaen to pay their respects and ensure our armed forces community is never forgotten.”