THOUSANDS of people gathered in the market square on Sunday to honour and remember those who have lost their lives in wars and conflicts.

About 4,000 people braved the cold to attend the service and watch the parade by the war memorial in Guildhall Square, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Pavements along Castle Street and Blue Boar Row were packed out with bystanders waiting to see the procession to the cenotaph.

Led by Staff Sergeant Alistair Bowler, the 450-strong parade, including about 50 veterans and ten standard bearers, marched through the city centre to the war memorial.

Representatives from 5 Rifles, 32 Regiment Royal Artillery, and B Squadron of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry represented the military in the procession.

Army, sea and marine cadets, members of the Air Training Corps, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Wiltshire Police also took part in the parade, as well as Brownies, Guides and Scouts.

The remembrance service was opened with a speech from Mayor of Salisbury John Lindley, before prayers led by Reverend Kelvin Inglis, the rector of St Thomas's Church, the two-minute silence and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Lifelong Salisbury resident Fiona Goodyear was in the crowd, and said where work allows she always attends the city's service.

"It's two minutes to reflect and remind myself what has come before but still surrounds us today," she said.

Fiona, whose late father left for the Second World War from Salisbury train station, said Sunday's service was "moving" and "well attended", adding: "Even though the day was cold, all ages stood in silence to remember our local heroes. Salisbury at its finest."

A special church service followed at St Thomas's, with the church completely filled and at standing room only.

When asked how he felt about the turnout, Royal British Legion Salisbury branch president, Bob Giddings, said: "I must admit, it really warms my heart. It's great that people keep remembering.

"It really thrills us."

Speaking after the service at the Royal British Legion branch in Endless Street, Mayor Lindley told the Journal: "I'd like to thank the Legion for this amazing event, to thank all the people who turned out in the freezing cold and thank you to all those who took part and made it such a special and memorable event for the city as we celebrate again our service of remembrance."

  • A SEPARATE service on Saturday was attended by about 500 people with four standard bearers. Mr Giddings said: "It was a better turnout than normal, which was very pleasing."