towncouncil@diss.gov.uk

Diss Town Council and the Royal British Legion warmly invite the public to take part in this year’s Remembrance Sunday parade, wreath-laying ceremony, and church service to honour our fallen heroes.

The parade will commence as usual from Mere's Mouth at approximately 2:15pm on Sunday 10th November and to accommodate larger crowds and involve younger participants, this year’s wreath-laying ceremony will take place on the Market Place.

The procession usually attracts over 35 different organisations including the Salvation Army Band, standard and flag bearers, the Royal British Legion, members of the armed forces, air and army cadets, emergency services, youth groups and various charities.

A short ‘drumhead’ service will be held in the Market Place following which representatives of local organisations will be invited to lay their wreath at the drumhead alter.  After the ceremony, all are invited to St Mary’s Church for a special remembrance service, beginning at 3pm.  During this time the wreaths will be moved from the Market Place to the war memorial where this event will conclude with a short dedication gathering after the church service.

The Drumhead Service originated in the 1700’s when soldiers about to go into battle required a place for reflection for the difficult times ahead. It was also used ‘post battle’ as a place of remembrance for their fallen comrades.  It allows the regimental padre to hold a church service ‘in the field’ and they use the regimental drums, neatly piled and draped in the appropriate colours (e.g. national or regimental flags) to create a platform on which a Bible and other equipment could be placed to allow them to conduct a formal service. The Padre leads an ecumenical service and to this day remains in use.

Remembrance events are organised by a committee led by Diss Town Council, with representatives from the Diss & District Royal British Legion, Salvation Army, St Mary’s Church, RAFA and from the army and air cadets.

Town Clerk, Sarah Villafuerte-Richards encourages the public to attend the parade, wreath-laying ceremony and church service, saying, “We invite everyone to join us in honouring the sacrifices made by our service men and women to protect our freedom.”

For safety, a temporary road closure will be in effect on Sunday 10th November, from 2pm to 3:30pm for the Remembrance Parade. This will impact Mere Street, Market Place, St Nicholas Street, Mount Street (from Saracens Head to Market Place), and Market Hill in Diss.

Additionally, a minute’s silence will be observed in the Market Place on Monday 11th November, at 11am. Please join us in these important tributes to commemorate the service and sacrifices of our Armed Forces community.

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Diss Town Council has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and recognises the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.  Find out more.