Chelmsford’s Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade 2026
Chelmsford's annual Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade will take place on Sunday 8 November at the War Memorial on Duke Street, beginning at 10.55am.
Members of the public are invited to join veterans and civic leaders in a shared act of remembrance for those who have served and sacrificed for our country in conflicts past and present.
The service will be conducted by The Very Reverend Dr Jessica Martin, Dean of Chelmsford, and will include prayers, readings and the traditional Act of Remembrance. Following the sounding of the Last Post, the firing of the maroons will mark a two-minute silence at 11am, providing a moment for people to stand quietly together in reflection.
The Order of Service, which includes hymns and prayers, is available to download from Chelmsford City Council’s website at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/remembrance.
As Chelmsford prepares to come together in remembrance, the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Lynne Foster, said:
“"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. I invite residents from across Chelmsford's communities to join us as we remember their courage, sacrifice and commitment.
Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Lynne Foster
"This year also marks Chelmsford's first-ever Poppy Festival, featuring the display of 75,000 handcrafted poppies at locations across Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers. The festival is a visible tribute to our Armed Forces and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. As we approach Remembrance Sunday, I encourage everyone to support the vital work of the Royal British Legion and wear a poppy with pride."
Chelmsford's War Memorial sits alongside a handcrafted poppy display, as part of Chelmsford’s first-ever Poppy Festival in support of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Wreaths will be laid by representatives of the Armed Forces, veterans' organisations, community groups and the city council.
The annual Parade will also take place following the service, with participants marching off along Rainsford Road before making a U-turn in the road and returning to march past the War Memorial, where the Mayor of Chelmsford will take the salute. All members of the public, the Mayoral Party and Council Members should remain in their places.
Additional road closures
This year, additional road closures will be in place between 10am and 12.30pm to keep the growing number of attendees safe. The bus station will also be closed during this time, with temporary bus stops in operation. Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance.
Full or partial closures will affect a number of roads, including Broomfield Road, Burgess Springs, Cedar Avenue, Cornhill, Coval Lane, Duke Street, Fairfield Road, Market Road, New London Road, Park Road, Railway Square, Railway Street, Rainsford Road, Threadneedle Street, Tindal Street, Townfield Street, Viaduct Road, Victoria Road, Victoria Road South, Wells Street and Wicks Place.
A map and full details of the affected roads can be found at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/remembrancemap.
