Remembrance Sunday 2026 civic service

Bournemouth Town Council is holding the town's civic service of remembrance at the War Memorial in Bournemouth Central Gardens on Sunday 8 November. It's a morning of wreath laying, the Last Post, and the national two-minute silence at 11am, with the service conducted by Monsignor Canon John Nelson, the Mayor's Chaplain. Veteran councillor Steve Butcher will deliver the Kohima Epitaph.

There's a bit of local history behind this one. It's the first time the newly established Bournemouth Town Council has organised the town's premier civic gathering since taking office earlier this year. The council came about following a community governance review approved by BCP Council, which restored direct, grassroots town-level representation after the local elections in May. This service is their first major outing in that role.

Led by the Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Roberto Rocca, the commemoration brings together veterans, serving armed forces personnel, cadets, faith leaders and community representatives. It was planned with the help of the Dorset Forces Community Network CIC, and a collection is taken in support of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Members of the public are invited to lay wreaths and pay their respects.

Proceedings start from 10.55am, with the national two-minute silence at 11am. It's at the War Memorial in Bournemouth Central Gardens, in the heart of town.