Remembrance Sunday commemorations

Remembrance Sunday returns to Derby city centre on Sunday 8 November, with the morning's main events centred around Derby Cathedral and the War Memorial in the Market Place. It's one of those days that brings a good chunk of the city together to stop and remember, and if you're planning to be there, it helps to know how the morning unfolds.

Things get moving from 10.15am, with the civic service at Derby Cathedral following at 10.55am. The two-minute silence comes at 11am, and the wreath-laying takes place at the War Memorial in the Market Place. There are dedicated viewing areas set up around the Market Place, and the service is fully interpreted in British Sign Language and streamed on a large screen, so you can follow along even if you're standing further back.

Behind the scenes, it's a proper city-wide effort. The Civic Office coordinates the day alongside Derby LIVE, Derby Cathedral, the Royal British Legion, and the Lord-Lieutenant's Office, with plenty of veteran, cadet and community groups involved. The Mayor's Cadets — drawn from local Sea, Army, Air and Royal Marine cadet groups — support the Mayor at the ceremonies. The city also maintains civic affiliations with the Mercian Regiment, which holds the Freedom of the City of Derby; HMS Ambush, an Astute-class nuclear submarine named after the city and powered by a Rolls-Royce system built right here in Derby; and 148 Divisional Support Company, REME, a locally based Army Reserve unit.

If you can't make the Sunday, there's a second chance later in the week: a short service is held on Armistice Day, Wednesday 11 November, at 11am.