Eastbourne’s Remembrance Sunday event to take place online

For the first time in living memory, there will be no ceremony at the War Memorial this year.

The service will now take place at Eastbourne Town Hall, and will be broadcast to the public online on Sunday, November 8, to enable veterans, residents and other representatives to take part virtually.

With social distancing in mind, the service will feature only a small number of representatives and wreaths will be laid at the Memorial Roundabout in the two weeks leading up to the annual commemoration.

The Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Steve Wallis said, “At this moment in time, it simply would not be safe to hold a public gathering of this nature.

“Remembrance Sunday is well supported by residents, our heroic veterans and a variety of organisations every year and it is our duty to protect the health of all those involved.

“As a result, we are working with our veteran organisations to do everything we can to bring the service to the people of Eastbourne, so we can all commemorate together, the many Eastbourne men and women who fought and died in the line of duty.”

In addition to the virtual service, it is hoped that a colourful trail of poppies throughout the town, displayed in the windows of Eastbourne homes, will bring remembrance to the home, with children encouraged to display their own artistic creations.

Residents are also being encouraged to observe a two minute doorstep silence at 11am on Remembrance Sunday, to enable communities to come together and observe the poignant moment, in a safe, socially distanced way.

Eastbourne’s Remembrance Sunday service will be broadcast online from 10.45am on Sunday, November 8, with a two minute silence at 11am.

Full details of how to view the broadcast will be announced nearer the time, and will be published on www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk.