Croydon gathers for Remembrance service and parades

Croydon will come together in November to remember the many brave men and women of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in conflicts.

The events will start on Sunday 10 November, when the annual Civic Service of Remembrance will take place at Croydon Minster, in Church Street. This is open to all and is not a ticketed event. Anyone who wishes to attend is asked to take their seats by 10.40am for the 10.55am service.

After the Remembrance Sunday service at Croydon Minster, there will be a procession of military personnel and other uniformed organisations. They will set off from outside Marks and Spencer in North End at approximately 12.15pm, marching to Katharine Street for a wreath-laying ceremony at 12.30pm.

The wreath-laying will be led by Civic Mayor, Councillor Kola Agboola, and the Deputy Lieutenant of Croydon Ray Wilkinson, followed by the Royal British Legion, Executive Mayor Jason Perry, civic and faith representatives, as well as the military and residents. Everyone is welcome to lay a wreath by gathering outside The Spread Eagle pub in Katharine Street at 12.20pm.

Armistice Day, on Monday 11 November, will be marked by the traditional two minutes' silence led by the Civic Mayor, Councillor Kola Agboola, Deputy Lieutenant, Executive Mayor Jason Perry, and other civic leaders.

The silence will be held at 11am at the Cenotaph in Katharine Street and everyone is welcome to attend.

Civic Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Kola Agboola, said: "This month we're gathering as a community on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our freedoms.

"We look forward to our residents joining these services, so together we can pay our respects, and honour those who fought for our country. We will all take a minute from our busy lives to reflect on those still affected by conflicts across the world today, and to hope for peace for them as well."

Road closures will be in place as follows:

• Sunday 10 November, 10am until 11.15am: Church Street from junction with Reeves Corner to Croydon Minster
• Sunday 10 November, from 10am until 2pm: Katharine Street and High Street (from High Street at junction with Scarbrook Road to Katharine Street junction with Park Lane) and Fell Road (from Katharine Street to Mint Walk) and St George's Walk (at narrowest point)
• Monday 11 November: from 10.50am until 11.20am: Katharine Street and High Street (from High Street at junction with Scarbrook Road to Katharine Street junction with Fell Road)

Buses that normally use Katharine Street and Fell Road will be diverted.

"It will be a solemn moment on the morning of Sunday 10 November when we come together to commemorate this historic moment. I look forward to joining as many residents as possible in our borough for it."

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon