Communities across Norfolk will come together to mark Remembrance Day. If you want to pay your respects, we have put together a list of the Remembrance Day events in Norfolk. Keep in mind, many take place on Remembrance Sunday.
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What is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed on 11 November (and the closest Sunday) across the Commonwealth since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. The date was chosen because The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918.
Remembrance Day is sometimes also called Armistice Day or Poppy Day as it is tradition to wear a Rembrance Poppy. Some commemorative events take place on the closest Sunday to 11 November which is known as Remembrance Sunday.
Remembrance Day Events in Norfolk 2023
You can expect to see parades, church services, moments of silence, and wreath-laying ceremonies across the county. It’s a lovely way to play tribute to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Norwich
On Sunday, 12 November, the city of Norwich will unite to pay tribute to the individuals who have made significant sacrifices in times of both historical and contemporary conflicts.
The day’s commemorations will commence at 10:00 as current and former service personnel, civic dignitaries, and civilians gather in front of the Norwich War Memorial. Reverend Canon Edward Carter, from St. Peter Mancroft, will lead a solemn service.
Following this, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Norwich War Memorial, accompanied by prayers. The haunting strains of “The Last Post,” a traditional tribute to those who have fallen, will echo at 11:00, signalling the start of a poignant two-minute silence. After a blessing, the parade will proceed at approximately 11:05, beginning its route from St. Peter’s Street and winding through Gaol Hill, London Street, Opie Street, Castle Meadow, Agriculture Hall Plain, Upper King Street, Tombland, culminating at Norwich Cathedral.
Upon reaching Cathedral Close, a salute will be given, and all are encouraged to enter the cathedral for a service starting at 11:40. Everyone is welcome to attend, and those who wish to pay their respects may lay wreaths or tributes after the service.
Get more details here.
Sheringham
This Remembrance Sunday, the community is welcome to join the procession in Sheringham, commencing from Cremer Street at 10:15 on 12 November.
Guided by the haunting notes of lone piper Jacob Millin, the procession will make its way to the town’s war memorial by 10:30, where wreaths will be reverently placed.
Following this, Scouts and Brownies will honor the memory of Sheringham’s fallen heroes from the conflicts dating back to 1914 by reading their names aloud.
At 11:15, a solemn Remembrance Service is scheduled to be held at St. Peter’s Church.
Learn more about it here.
King’s Lynn
On Sunday, 12 November, the annual Remembrance activities in King’s Lynn will honour those who have made significant sacrifices. For those unable to attend in person, the King’s Lynn Remembrance will be live-streamed on the borough council’s social media channels.
Ceremonial processions will make their way from the Saturday Market Place to Tower Gardens, where civic representatives, including the mayor and various organizations’ representatives, will gather. They will lay wreaths at the war memorial, accompanied by the poignant strains of The Last Post played by a bugler. The two-minute silence, signifying the start of the ceremony at 11:00, offers a moment of reflection and remembrance.
Following the wreath laying and ceremony, the mayor invites members of the public and representatives from all attending organizations to join the civic procession back to the Minster. There, a service conducted by the Reverend Canon Dr. Mark Dimond will provide a heartfelt and unified conclusion to the day’s remembrance activities.
Get more information here.
Great Yarmouth
As Remembrance Day draws near, Great Yarmouth Borough Council extends a warm invitation to residents to come together and honor the fallen, while showing their support for the armed forces community through a series of public events in the weeks ahead.
On 8 November at 10:55, the poignant Blessing of the Crosses ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph in St George’s Park. Led by Rev Canon Simon Ward, this event provides an opportunity for individuals to place crosses, each bearing the names of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during times of conflict, in the memorial area.
The pinnacle of the remembrance period, Remembrance Day itself, falls on 12 November. The borough’s Remembrance Sunday service will take place at the War Memorial in St George’s Park. The Parade Marshals and Youth Organisations will lead a march to St George’s Park starting at 10:35. Residents are encouraged to gather at 10:50, observing a solemn two-minute silence at 11:00.
A special service will be held at 12:30 by Rev Pauline Simpson, who serves as the Chaplain and Secretary/Welfare Officer for the Far East Prisoner of War (FEPOW). This event takes place at the Far East Prisoner of War (FEPOW) Memorial on Marine Parade, with attendees asked to arrive at 12:20 for the service at 12:30. Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Cllr Penny Carpenter, and a representative from the Royal British Legion, will both lay wreaths to pay their respects.
Get more information here.
Cromer
Cromer’s Remembrance Day activities offer a poignant and meaningful opportunity for the community to come together and honor the sacrifices of those who have served. On Saturday, 11 November, at 10:50, the Armistice Service unfolds at Cromer War Memorial. This service serves as a significant moment to pay respects and remember the brave individuals who have served and made sacrifices for our freedom. It is a time for reflection and unity as the community gathers to commemorate their contributions.
On Sunday, 12 November, the community will come together for the Remembrance Parade, which commences at 13:40, starting from The Meadow and proceeding to Cromer Parish Church. Participants should gather at 13:30.
Following the parade, at 14:00 on the same day, the Remembrance Service will take place at Cromer Parish Church. This service provides a serene and respectful setting for reflection and remembrance, where the community can come together to remember and honour those who have served and sacrificed for the greater good. These events in Cromer are a meaningful way for the community to pay their respects and keep the memory of those who served alive.
Find out more here.
Fakenham
In Fakenham, a series of meaningful Remembrance activities will provide the community with an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. On 11 November 11, at 10:50, a poignant service will take place in the heart of the town at the Market Place.
The following day, the Remembrance parade will assemble at the Queens Road Car Park, starting at 14:15. The parade, a symbol of unity and respect, will commence its march at 14:40, culminating in the Act of Remembrance in the Market Place at 14:45 p.m. This moment provides an opportunity for the community to come together and collectively honour those who have served.
Following the parade and the Act of Remembrance, a short service will be conducted at the town centre’s war memorial. This service, set against the backdrop of the memorial, allows the community to reflect and remember the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
Get details here.
Dereham
In Dereham, the community will come together to commemorate Remembrance Day on the 12 November. A poignant parade will assemble in Cherry Tree car park, commencing at 10:15. The parade, a symbol of unity and respect, will begin its march at 10:50, marking a solemn tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.
Following the parade, a short service at the town’s war memorial, led by Rev Paul Cubitt, will be conducted. This service serves as a moment of reflection and remembrance, allowing the community to come together in honor of the fallen. The Last Post will be sounded, and wreaths will be reverently laid, symbolizing the community’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by brave individuals.
Subsequently, the parade will proceed to St. Nicholas Church, where a service will be held. Civic dignitaries, along with representatives of the armed forces, ex-service associations, uniformed public and voluntary services, cadet forces, youth groups, and members of the public, will participate in the wreath-laying ceremony.
Get details here.
Hunstanton
Hunstanton Town Council, in association with The Royal British Legion, Hunstanton Branch, is dedicated to preserving the memory of those who have made sacrifices for our freedom. On Sunday, the 12th of November, at 10:55, a solemn Service of Remembrance will be held at The Cenotaph in Hunstanton. This poignant service is an opportunity for the community to come together and pay tribute to the brave individuals who have served our country.
All are welcome to attend this meaningful event. Following the service, the Town Hall will open its doors, inviting residents to view an exhibition of memorabilia generously provided by local residents. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to watch films featuring recent interviews with veterans from various wars, those who lost loved ones, and footage of the wars on the stage screen.
Get more information here.
Downham Market
On Saturday, the 11th November, at 11:00, the Town Square in Downham Market will serve as a solemn gathering place for a two-minute silence. This poignant moment allows all to unite in remembrance, paying tribute to those who have served our nation.
The Annual Remembrance Parade takes place on 12th November. It commences from the Town Square at 14:30 and proceeds to the War Memorial. If you want to join, gather at 14:00 in the Town Hall Car Park.
Get more information here.
Swaffham
Swaffham is steadfast in its commitment to honouring the memory of those who have made sacrifices for our nation, and this year’s Remembrance activities are no exception. On Friday, the 10th November, students and the community will gather for a short service and a poignant two-minute silence at 11:00.
On Saturday, the 11th November, at 11:00, a collective two-minute silence will be observed, underscoring Swaffham’s unwavering dedication to remembering the fallen. Additionally, the Blessing of the soldier silhouette will take place, further symbolizing the community’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of our service personnel.
Swaffham proudly hosts this year’s service for Remembrance Sunday, building on its strong tradition. The parade, led by WO2 Keith Rix, will depart from Pedlars car park at 10:35,, the 12th November.
The parade will follow a slightly altered route this year, moving down Cley Road, through the marketplace, and arriving at the War Memorial at 10:45. Here, a Remembrance service and wreath laying will be conducted, culminating in the observance of a two-minute silence at 11:00. Then there will be a service at St. Peter and St. Paul Church.
Get more information here.
Wells-next-the-sea
In Wells-next-the-Sea, on Saturday, 11 November, at 11:00, a solemn Act of Remembrance takes place at Wells War Memorial, providing a poignant moment to pay tribute to our heroes. Remembrance activities continue on Sunday, 12 November, with wreath laying at Wells War Memorial at 14:00, followed by a parade through Staithe Street leading to the Congregational Church for a 15:00 service and post-service refreshments.
While in Wells-next-the-Sea, be sure to visit the Lifeboat Horse on Wells Quay, adorned with 109 poppies, each representing a name on the town’s war memorial. It is a poignant tribute to the sacrifices made by the courageous individuals from the community.
Get more information here.
Thetford
Thetford’s annual Remembrance service and parade will be held in Thetford Market Square on Sunday, 12 November. The parade group will assemble at the Tanner Street car park by the riverside and begin marching through the town centre at 10:30. The Thetford branch of The Royal British Legion is organizing the service and will arrange the orders of service sheets, ensuring a heartfelt and unified commemoration of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.
Get more information here.
Harleston
Harleston, in collaboration with Redenhall with Harleston Town Council and the Harleston & District Branch of The Royal British Legion, is proud to announce the schedule for the Remembrance Day parade, which will take place on Sunday, the 12th November.
All groups and organizations participating in the parade are kindly requested to gather on Exchange Street at 10:30, ensuring that they are ready to march off promptly at 10:40. This collective effort and punctuality are essential in creating a respectful and seamless commemorative event.
The parade will then proceed down the Thoroughfare, making its way into Broad Street for the wreath-laying ceremony and a brief service at the War Memorial. Immediately following this, a Remembrance Service will take place in St. John’s Church.
Get more details here.
Mundesley
Mundesley’s Remembrance activities provide a poignant opportunity for the community to honor those who have served and sacrificed. On Saturday, a Memorial service will be held at All Saints Church at 10:45 a.m., creating a respectful and solemn atmosphere for reflection. On Remembrance Sunday, 12 November, the community will gather at noon on the seafront for a poignant ceremony.
Find out more here.
Caister
In Caister, the village stands resolute in its commitment to remembering the young men who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Everyone is welcome to join the Remembrance service on the 12 November, commencing at 10:00 in the Parish church. Following this service, at 10:50, the community will come together at Caister’s War Memorial, uniting to honour the memory of those who have served.
Get more information here.
Thorpe St. Andrew
Thorpe St. Andrew’s Remembrance Parade for 2023 is a significant and solemn occasion, dedicated to paying tribute to the sacrifices made by our heroes. The day’s timetable is carefully planned, starting with the closure of Yarmouth Road between Thunder Lane and Harvey Lane at 10:00 on 12 November.
Assembling at Whitlingham Lane begins at 10:15, with all participants involved in the Parade expected to be present and ready to parade by 10:30. Before 11:00, the Parade musters at the War Memorial, where at 11:00, a poignant two minutes’ silence is observed. During this time, wreaths are laid, and Poppy Crosses are planted to honour those who have served.
The Civic Remembrance Service follows at 11:20 at the Parish Church, providing a moment for all present to gather and take their seats for a thoughtful and respectful ceremony. By 12:30 at the latest, the Parade returns to Whitlingham Lane, marking the conclusion of this day of remembrance and reflection.
