With coronavirus still posing a threat to all of our lives, this year’s Remembrance commemorations will take place in a slightly different way and residents are being encouraged to pay their respects in the days before and after Remembrance Sunday.

Salisbury City Council will be leading the City’s Act of Remembrance 2020 with revised arrangements to those of previous years.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the council is not allowed to encourage large gatherings of residents to pay their respects and there will be no marching troops, no cadets present and no service at St Thomas’.

This year, in partnership with the Salisbury Branch of the Royal British Legion and St Thomas’ Church, the Mayor will lead the city’s Act of Remembrance supported by the Royal British Legion, a small civic party, representatives of the Armed Forces and fellow councillors.

A limited number of wreaths will be laid with the Mayor laying his wreath on behalf of all residents of the city.

Residents are encouraged to make their own individual tributes over a longer period - the War Memorial will have turf placed upon it between Monday November 2 and Monday November 30 so that personal acts of remembrance can take place before and after Remembrance Sunday, and wreaths can be laid during this time.

The Mayor of the City of Salisbury, Cllr John Walsh, said: “In this extraordinary year, I am asking those who wish to pay their respects and remember the sacrifice of our Armed Forces to do so in the weeks before and after Remembrance Sunday.

“On that day I will lay a wreath on the city’s War Memorial on behalf of all city residents. In this way, the city can pay its respects without creating a large gathering on Sunday morning. This is a very important day nationally and for Salisbury and I hope you will understand the restrictions put in place.”

On Armistice Day, Wednesday November 11 at 11am the Mayor will pay his respects at the War Memorial with a two minute-silence.

Salisbury City Council requests that all residents acknowledge that this will be a smaller event this year and do not congregate on the streets thereby keeping each other safe and respecting Government guidance.

Despite the pandemic, the Royal British Legion are still fundraising to support the Poppy Appeal. For information on how to donate visit www.britishlegion.org.uk