Chelmsford comes together for Remembrance Sunday service and parade

Chelmsford's annual Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade took place at the war memorial on Duke Street yesterday (8 November 2026).

The service brought together veterans, serving personnel, community representatives, faith leaders and residents to remember those who have served in conflicts past and present.

Armed Forces representatives attended the service and parade.

The service was conducted by The Very Reverend Dr Jessica Martin, Dean of Chelmsford, and began with readings from Laurence Binyon's poem For the Fallen by representatives of Chelmsford Boys' Brigade and the Royal British Legion.

The firing of maroons marked the start of a two-minute silence at 11am, providing a moment for quiet reflection.

Further readings were given by the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Lynne Foster, and her Chaplain, The Rev'd Canon Ivor Moody, who also led a prayer. Additional prayers were led by members of other local faith groups.

The Mayor of Chelmsford. Cllr Lynne Foster (L) and The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford.(R).

Following the prayers, the mayor placed a poppy wreath at the foot of the war memorial, before military and community representatives laid their own wreaths in tribute.

After the service, the annual parade marched along Rainsford Road before returning past the war memorial, where the mayor took the salute. Residents lined the route to pay their respects and honour those who have served their country.

This year's Remembrance Sunday service took place during Chelmsford's first-ever Poppy Festival, which has seen more than 75,000 handcrafted poppies displayed across Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers in support of the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. The festival includes displays at locations across the district, including Chelmsford Cathedral and the Civic Centre.

A short Remembrance ceremony will also take place with the Mayor of Chelmsford at the war memorial on Duke Street on Wednesday 11 November 2026. The maroons will fire ahead of observing a two-minute silence at 11am.

“

"Remembrance Sunday gives us all an opportunity to pause, reflect and honour those who have served our country, as well as those who continue to serve today. As a community, we come together to remember their courage, sacrifice and commitment, and to ensure that their service is never forgotten."

Councillor Lynne Foster, Mayor of Chelmsford