Remembrance Day service goes online for Wakefield over Covid fears

Usually thousands of people across the district come out to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday, and again on November 11 when wreaths are laid at war memorials to mark the end of World War I.

This year it will be live streamed on the internet to discourage people to gather on the streets over Covid-19 fears.

The service on Sunday, November 8 will be led by the Bishop of Wakefield and Mayor of Wakefield, Coun Charlie Keith, leader of Wakefield Council, Coun Denise Jeffery and Wakefield Conservative Group Leader, Coun Nadeem Ahmed, will be laying wreaths.

Coun Keith said: “Although our Remembrance service may be a little different this year, it is still important that we all take this time to reflect, pay our respects and thank those who fought for our country.

“I am proud to take part in the ceremony to ensure that their contributions will never be forgotten.”

Coun Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Even though we cannot hold our usual annual event to mark this very important time of year, we still wanted to give people the opportunity to remember those who made huge sacrifices for their county and those who continue to do so.

“The council is proud to take part in the ceremony to ensure that their contributions are never forgotten and hope that as many people as possible will watch and remember from home.”

Details of how residents can watch the live stream will be published closer to the time.