Derby's Remembrance commemorations will return this November, bringing together residents and members of the Armed Forces community to pay their respects.

Taking place on Sunday 8 November, the annual Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade will see veterans, cadet groups and youth organisations march through the city centre onto the Market Place.

Ahead of the parade, Derby-based South Asian arts organisation Surtal Arts will be performing a medley of patriotic songs on the Market Place from 10.15am. Following this, students from the Royal School for the Deaf Derby will be leading a public participation session at 10.35am, teaching the audience how to say "We Will Remember Them" in British Sign Language (BSL). 

The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, will lead a short service at 10.55am, during which a two-minute silence will be observed at 11am. Following this, wreaths will be laid at the War Memorial.

Dedicated viewing areas will be available on the Market Place and the ceremony will be streamed onto a large screen.

A short service will also take place at the War Memorial at 11am on Armistice Day (Wednesday 11 November).

Councillor Jonathan Smale, Mayor of the City of Derby, said:

"Remembrance is an incredibly important event in the civic calendar, and I'm pleased we are once again working with local organisations to host commemorations in the city centre.

"These occasions are not only about those who served in the World Wars and subsequent conflicts, but also the sacrifices made by people from across the Commonwealth. I'd encourage residents to join us on the Market Place as we pay tribute and reflect on their service and sacrifice."

Unlike in recent years, troops from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 148 Divisional Support Company will not be joining the parade, but serving members of HMS Ambush, which was awarded Freedom of the City in 2013, will be present.

Members of the public and local organisations are invited to lay their own wreaths only once official dignitaries and designated representatives have laid theirs, the parade has departed, and stewards have formally reopened the ceremonial area.

Any local groups or organisations who wish to lay a wreath at the War Memorial should contact the Council's Civic Services team as soon as possible via civic.services@derby.gov.uk.

Out of respect for the solemnity of the service and for others attending, members of the public are kindly asked to not take personal photos or videos. Official photos will be shared after the event. 

Ahead of this year's commemorations, the War Memorial has been carefully cleaned to ensure it is in good condition for those paying their respects. During this work, inspections found that the Grade-II listed monument, which is almost 100 years old, will require more significant restoration work in the not too distant future. Refurbishment plans will be considered alongside plans to redevelop the Market Place, in consultation with local heritage organisations.

More information about Derby's Remembrance commemorations can be found on the Council's website.