Every Remembrance Sunday, the vibrant city of Leeds honors its heroes with a multi-faith service at Victoria Gardens, featuring a solemn parade and wreath-laying at the war memorial.
At 11 am, the entire city observes a poignant two-minute silence, uniting the community in a powerful tribute to all who have served and sacrificed.
What happens during Remembrance Sunday in Leeds?
Each year on Remembrance Sunday, Leeds holds a multi-faith service at Victoria Gardens, featuring a parade of military personnel and dignitaries, a two-minute silence at 11 am, wreath-laying at the war memorial, and community-wide participation to honour and remember all who have served and sacrificed.
Remembrance Sunday at Victoria Gardens
Each year, citizens, dignitaries, and military communities in Leeds come together to observe Remembrance Sunday – an occasion that honours servicemen and women who have died in the line of duty. This year’s act of remembrance will take place at Victoria Gardens on Sunday, 9 November, beginning at 10:50 am. The event not only serves as a solemn tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice but also strengthens the city’s sense of community and collective memory.
The day’s proceedings are scheduled with both tradition and accessibility in mind. A procession of dignitaries will depart from Leeds Civic Hall, joining a parade led by ex-servicemen and women, veterans’ organisations, and current serving military personnel. This united march to the war memorial from Rossington Street stands as a visible testament to the city’s ongoing gratitude for all who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces.
The Remembrance service at the war memorial features a rich interweaving of the city’s diverse faiths. The multi-faith service is led by the Bishop of Kirkstall, Right Reverend Arun Arora, and includes contributions from the Lord Mayor’s Chaplain, Rabbi Anthony Gilbert, Senior Imam Qari Muhammad Asim MBE, and the Very Rev Canon Father Matthew Habron. This approach underscores Leeds’ inclusive ethos and its commitment to remembering all victims of war, whatever their background or faith.
Notable Participants and Ceremonial Highlights
This year, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen, extends an open invitation to all residents to join in the act of remembrance. As he stated, “Coming together as one community to remember those who fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy today is more important than ever in these troubled times.” The Lord Mayor will be accompanied by notable city figures, including HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Helen Thomson, and Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Debra Coupar.
The service will also see the presence of members of parliament, political representatives, and family members of the fallen. As customary, wreaths will be laid at the war memorial as symbols of respect and commemoration. These symbolic acts of remembrance allow the wider public to engage emotionally with the event, recognising the sacrifices recorded in the city’s own history.
At precisely 11 am, the entire congregation and city will observe a two-minute silence, a gesture mirrored nationwide, demonstrating unity and shared reverence. This silence is preceded by the evocative sound of the Last Post, played by a bugler, which adds gravitas to the moment. To ensure that those not at the front can fully participate, two large screens in Victoria Gardens will broadcast the service, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility for all attendees.
The Broader Significance of Remembrance Day
Remembrance Sunday is not only a commemoration of the First World War’s fallen, but it also honours British and Commonwealth military personnel who have served in all conflicts since 1945. The annual service falls on the second Sunday in November, closest to Armistice Day (11 November), linking local memorials to the wider national narrative of remembrance in the United Kingdom.
Traditionally, the observance included recognition of those who died in the First and Second World Wars. Today, it includes homage to service members from subsequent conflicts, victims of terrorism, and acknowledges the contributions of emergency services and civilians affected by warfare. This evolution highlights the broad and enduring impact of conflict on contemporary society.
The Lord Mayor has spoken about the enduring role of the act of remembrance in contemporary life: “It is my great honour to lead our city in its act of remembrance and pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of the British and Commonwealth armed forces of two world wars and all other conflicts since 1945. We also use the occasion to recognise the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives due to conflict or terrorism and mark the vital role played by the emergency services and civilians.” This encapsulates the effort to memorialise a wide spectrum of individuals impacted by conflict.
Additional Services and Community Involvement
In addition to the primary service on Remembrance Sunday, Leeds will also mark Armistice Day itself on Tuesday, 11 November. This event will be observed at the Victoria Gardens War Memorial with a shorter ceremony that does not include a parade. Beginning at 10:50 am, the service will again feature wreath-laying by the Lord Mayor and the HM Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire. Despite the briefer format, the core themes of respect and commemoration remain firmly present.
Community organisations, schools, and local residents play vital roles in the success and reach of Leeds’s remembrance events. Veterans’ associations are instrumental in organising the parade and ensuring that the memories and stories of past generations are shared with younger citizens. Educational initiatives around Remembrance Day further encourage children and teenagers to engage with this important aspect of national and local culture.
Practical information about the event is disseminated widely to encourage turnout and participation from all sectors of society. For the latest updates or to learn more about similar initiatives across Leeds, citizens can visit the Leeds City Council website or check listings with related local organisations. These efforts ensure that the act of remembrance is a living tradition, accessible and meaningful for every generation.
- Leeds marks Remembrance Sunday with a multi-faith service, parade, and wreath-laying at Victoria Gardens.
- A two-minute silence is observed at 11 am throughout the city, uniting the community in tribute.
- This year’s ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 9th, beginning at 10:50 am, led by the Lord Mayor of Leeds.
- The service is inclusive, with contributions from leaders of diverse faiths and broad community participation.
- Remembrance Sunday in Leeds honors all British and Commonwealth military personnel from various conflicts, victims of terrorism, and the contributions of emergency services and civilians affected by warfare.