The Wells community is preparing to honour Remembrance Day this November with a series of services, events, and the annual Poppy Appeal organised by the Royal British Legion Wells Branch. These events allow residents to reflect, pay respects, and support veterans and the Armed Forces community.

Remembrance Service in Wells on Sunday, 10 November

The Wells Remembrance Service will be held at St Cuthbert's Church on Sunday, 10 November, starting at 10:30am. Following this civic ceremony, attendees will gather at the war memorial for a wreath-laying and two-minute silence at 11am. A traditional parade will then proceed up High Street, where the Mayor will take the salute, with a final wreath-laying at the Harry Patch Memorial outside Wells & Mendip Museum.

Armistice Day Ceremony at the Conduit in Market Place on Monday, 11 November

On Armistice Day, Monday, 11 November, Wells residents can join a remembrance ceremony at the Conduit in Market Place at 11am. This short Act of Remembrance will mark the moment the guns fell silent in 1918, offering the community a time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served.

Wells Cathedral Remembrance Events

Wells Cathedral will also hold several Remembrance events, beginning with a special Sunday Eucharist on 10 November at 10:30am, incorporating an Act of Remembrance with music by Elgar, Howells, and James MacMillan. Later that day, the Cathedral Choir and Wells Cathedral School Chamber Choir will perform Fauré's Requiem at 3pm, featuring readings and a poppy drop in support of the Poppy Appeal. For those wishing to commemorate Armistice Day itself, a short Act of Remembrance will take place at the Cathedral's War Memorial in the North Transept at 11am.

Wells Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2024

The Wells Branch of the Royal British Legion has launched its annual Poppy Appeal, with stalls and collection points across the city from Saturday, 26 October, through to Saturday, 9 November. The branch will have a stall at the Saturday market on 9th November, and volunteers will be collecting donations at Waitrose, Tesco, and, new this year, Morrisons. Poppies will also be available at retailers and other venues around Wells.

Road closures for Wells Remembrance Parade on Sunday, 10 November

To ensure public safety during the Remembrance Parade, the following streets in Wells will be closed between 8am and 12 noon on Sunday, 10 November:

• Sadler Street
• High Street
• St Cuthbert Street
• Queen Street
• Priest Row
• Guardhouse Lane
• Mill Street
• St Andrews Street (Cathedral Green)

Businesses are advised to avoid scheduling deliveries during this period. Police and security services request public vigilance and cooperation to maintain clean and safe public areas.

Remembrance Events in Wells: An Opportunity to Honour and Reflect

These Remembrance Day services and Poppy Appeal collections in Wells bring the community together to honour fallen servicemen and women and support the Armed Forces community. With events organised by the Royal British Legion Wells Branch and Wells Cathedral, locals have a range of ways to participate in these meaningful ceremonies. The Poppy Appeal, in particular, ensures ongoing support for veterans and service members, making these gatherings a truly significant time for reflection and remembrance in Wells.