Oxford residents are invited to come together this November to remember those who lost their lives in military service and to honour the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces.
Remembrance Sunday
On Remembrance Sunday, 8 November, Oxford will come together at the War Memorial to honour and remember all those who have lost their lives, suffered injury, or been affected by conflict and war.
Representatives from faith communities, civic leaders, veterans, cadets, community organisations, and residents will join in a service of remembrance, reflection, and commitment. The service recognises the courage, sacrifice and service of those who fought and died in past and present conflicts, while also reflecting on the importance of peace, justice and reconciliation.
The ceremony will include prayers and readings from Oxford’s diverse faith and belief communities, the sounding of the Last Post, a two-minute silence, the laying of wreaths, and hymns of remembrance. Participants will pay tribute to service personnel, civilians and all those whose lives have been impacted by war.
Remembrance Sunday provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together in a spirit of unity, reflecting on the cost of conflict and renewing a shared commitment to building a more peaceful future.
The service will take place at the War Memorial in Oxford on Sunday 8 November beginning at 10.45am.
This year the service will be attended by the Choir of the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Land Forces Academy from Wroclaw, Poland.
The service will be interpreted in British Sign Language.
Armistice Day
Oxford will come together on 11 November to mark Armistice Day, honouring the moment in 1918 when the guns of the First World War fell silent.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford Councillor Chewe Munkonge will lead a ceremony and short service at Oxford Town Hall, beginning at 10.50am on the landing area at the top of the main staircase.
The City Rector, the Reverend Anthony Buckley, will lead a short prayer, followed by the national two-minute silence at 11am. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Armistice Day commemorates the signing of the Armistice agreement between the Allies and Germany in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, France, at 5am on 11 November 1918. Fighting ceased six hours later, at 11am, ending more than four years of devastating conflict.
Since 1919, people across the United Kingdom have observed a two-minute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who gave their lives in service to their country.
Comment
"Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday offer an opportunity for us to come together in gratitude and remembrance. They remind us of the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice shown by generations of service personnel and the loved ones who supported them. As we observe the silence, we pay tribute to those who gave their lives, recognise those who continue to serve today, and reflect on the importance of building a more peaceful future. I encourage everyone across Oxford to take a moment to remember, reflect and honour their service."
Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Lord Mayor of Oxford
Road closures
Several road closures and parking suspensions will be in place on Sunday 8 November between 12.01am and 2pm to support the Remembrance Sunday events.
The whole of St Giles' will be closed, together with sections of Banbury Road, Beaumont Street, Keble Road, Blackhall Road, and Magdalen Street East and West. The pavement on Banbury Road opposite the War Memorial will also be closed, with pedestrians advised to follow signed diversions or use Woodstock Road.
Drivers are reminded that they can find details about the traffic filters on Oxfordshire County Council's website.
