Remembrance Sunday 2020

Because the COVID-19 situation is changing almost daily, it has been challenging to work out how to hold some kind of Act of Remembrance on Sunday 8th November.

It is not possible to hold any kind of public event under current COVID-19 rules, but Hastings Borough Council still wants to mark the day by the laying of wreaths at the war memorial in Alexandra Park. However, there will be no parade or formal service, and the council is encouraging everyone to 'remember from home'.  It is also understood that many organisations are holding their own 'online/virtual' Remembrance Service.

A council spokesperson explained,

"Currently we are hoping that we will be able to accommodate a total of 30 participants to lay wreaths, but if COVID-19 restrictions tighten further we may only be able to have 15 participants or, even, potentially, possibly only six.

"The mayor will represent the council and the people of Hastings; our MP is also being invited. The rest of the invited participants will be drawn from representatives of retired service personnel (including Royal British Legion), serving military personnel, cadet groups, and the emergency services.

"We are inviting other groups and organisations to lay wreaths at the war memorial from Sunday 1st November if they wish to do so.  Alternatively some groups might like to acknowledge Remembrance Day on 11th November at a time that suits them.

"We are inviting groups who are not able to get to the war memorial to leave a wreath at the contact centre before Remembrance Sunday, and the mayor will then lay these wreaths on their behalf.

"We understand that Remembrance Sunday is very important to many local people, and know this will disappoint many, but mass gatherings simply aren't possible. We think that our approach at least allows the town to mark the day in an appropriate way."