Pandemic forces changes to cathedral’s Remembrance Sunday Service

Remembrance Sunday at Winchester Cathedral will be very different this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Remembrance Day Service will take place with invited members of the military, veterans and uniformed organisations, the Mayor of Winchester, the High Sheriff, and a representative of the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.

There will not be an outdoor ceremony this year, and people are asked to watch the Service through livestream.

The Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester, said: “After close consultation with partners, sadly, we will not be able to have an outdoor commemoration this year. We know this will be at a great loss to many.”

Members of the public are encouraged to observe Remembrance Sunday in an alternative way this year.

People are encouraged to light a candle in the Cathedral in the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday and are invited to lay wreaths by the War memorial or crosses in the Royal British Legion Garden of Remembrance.

The Mayor of Winchester Cllr Patrick Cunningham said: “Remembrance ceremonies this year will be unlike any other; but we must find new ways to reflect, remember and observe this important occasion.”

He also invites people to stand on their doorsteps at 11am to take part in two minutes of silence to remember those who are currently serving, those who have served, and those who have given their lives.

The decision was made in consultation with the City Council Safety Advisory Group, Public Health England, the Royal British Legion and locally based regiments.