Melton set to honour our armed forces past and present with annual Remembrance parade

The annual Remembrance Sunday parade will snake through the town centre from 10.20am accompanied by military tunes played by the Melton Town Band and the RATAE Pipe Band.

Immaculately turned out representatives of the Royal British Legion, Royal Airforce Association (RAFA), HMS Daring, Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR), army, and air cadets, local Scout and Guide groups, town clubs and members of the Polish community will be taking part.

Starting out from the Chapel Street car park, the procession will proceed along King Street, Sage Cross Street, Sherrard Street and Church Street, before arriving at St Mary’s Parish Church for a Remembrance Service, which is due to start at 10.50am.

Following the church service, the parade will reassemble at approximately 11.50am in Burton Street and pass along Leicester Street.

Participants will salute at the Market Place dais before making their way to the War Memorial Gardens, in the grounds of Egerton Lodge, where a wreath-laying ceremony will take place in remembrance of those who have served. The Last Post will be sounded after a short open air service.

Mayor of Melton, Councillor Jim Adcock, said: "I encourage residents and visitors, alike, to attend, whether by watching the parade or joining the service, as we take time together to remember and honour their service and sacrifice."

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of local veterans participating in the Remembrance parade, proudly wearing their medals and clothing from their service.

Veterans who wish to join their fellow servicemen and women are invited to assemble at Chapel Street car park prior to the start of the parade, where they will be welcome to join the procession.

Melton Borough Council is organising the event in collaboration with the Melton Mowbray Royal British Legion Club, Defence Animal Training Regiment, Melton Mowbray Town Estate, Leicestershire Police, Melton Lions, St Mary’s Church, Crouch Recovery, St Johns Ambulance, Nicks Taxis, Melton Town Band and RATAE Pipe Band.

The parade is the culmination of the Poppy Appeal campaign to commemorate the sacrifices made by men and women in conflicts around the world.

A dedicated team are selling poppies across the borough – you can buy them in businesses, shops schools and community organisations.

The legion will have a stall in Melton’s Market Place on Saturday where you can also buy a Poppy.

To ensure the safety of all participants and attendees during Sunday’s parade, road closures will be in effect throughout Melton Mowbray town centre from 9.30am through to 1pm.

Go to www.leicestershire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/road-maintenance/roadworks-closures-and-diversions for full details of the closures on the Leicestershire County Council website.

The Melton Mowbray branch of the Royal British Legion will also be hosting a service to mark Armistice Day on Wednesday November 11.

This day marked the end of hostilities in the First World War in 1918. This service begins around 10.40am and will include the playing of the Last Post. All are welcome to attend.