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Lest we forget: Manchester to mark 100 years since end of First World War on Remembrance Sunday

Thousands of people across Manchester will be at events marking 100 years since the end of the First World War this weekend.

This year the Armistice Centenary also coincides with Remembrance Sunday.

The day is set to begin at 6am when a lone piper at Manchester Cathedral will play Battle’s O’er.

They will then follow a number of events throughout the day. 

Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor June Hitchen, said: “On Remembrance Sunday, Manchester will remember and honour all those who have lost their lives in active service while remembering the fallen in all conflicts.”

Civic dignitaries, servicemen and women, ex-service men and woman, faith leaders and uniformed organisations will meet at the Radisson Hotel on Peter Street.

They will form together to take part in the Remembrance Day parade, stepping off from the Radisson at 10.25am.

The parade will march to the Cenotaph in St Peter’s Square, opposite the Cooper Street entrance of the town hall.

When the clock strikes 11am, a 105mm gun from the Royal Artillery will fire, marking the start of the two minutes’ silence.

Exactly two minutes later the gun will roar back into action marking the end of the silence.

After the service, a march-past will take place outside the Central Library on St Peter’s Square. 

The march-past will be observed by the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Mayor, senior representatives from the Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Reserve Forces, Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, and 207 Field Hospital.

Then at 12.30pm the bells at Manchester Cathedral, The Hidden Gem and other locations will ring out.

The Government has invited all the nation’s church bells to ring out in unison. 

A Bugler will sound the Last Post at Manchester Cathedral at 6.55pm, then at 7pm a beacon will be lit outside the Cathedral. 

More than 1,000 Beacons of Light will be lit at locations across Britain and UK Overseas Territories. 

This is to symbolise an end to the darkness of war and a return to the light of peace.

The Lord Mayor hopes that it is a time for Manchester to reflect.

She said: “It is important that people come out and show their support on occasions like this.

“Which gives us time to reflect on past and present conflicts and allows us to pay tribute to the enormous sacrifices made by all members of the armed forces.”

The service will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and woman involved in the two World Wars and also more recent conflicts.

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