Chichester, Midhurst and Petworth prepare to remember as towns and villages mark Remembrance Sunday 2026

From civic ceremonies in Chichester to village gatherings across the Manhood Peninsula, the South Downs and surrounding countryside, Remembrance Sunday will once again bring residents together in a shared act of reflection.

Services, parades, wreath-laying ceremonies and the traditional two-minute silence at 11am will form part of the commemorations, with further opportunities to remember on Armistice Day, Wednesday, November 11.

Chichester's annual civic Remembrance Sunday service will begin at Litten Memorial Gardens at 11am.

The ceremony will include the traditional two-minute silence, wreath-laying, prayers and hymns, with musical accompaniment from Chichester City Band.

Led by the Reverend Canon David Nason, the service will honour those who lost their lives in conflicts past and present, while reflecting on the importance of peace and reconciliation.

Residents are invited to join civic representatives and the wider community in paying their respects and remembering all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In Selsey, the town council has announced details of its Selsey Remembers commemorations, with the community invited to take part in a morning of remembrance.

The service will take place at The Selsey Academy, where doors will open at 9.45am ahead of a prompt 10am start.

Following the service, the Remembrance Parade will make its way to St Peter's Church War Memorial, led by the TS Sturdy Band and Parade Marshal Gareth Parson of the Royal Naval Association.

The community will then assemble for the wreath-laying ceremony.

Serving personnel, veterans and ex-service personnel are warmly encouraged to attend and participate in the parade, while everyone is welcome to join the gathering at Selsey Town Hall afterwards for free refreshments.

Motorists are being advised that temporary road closures will be in place between 10.15am and 11.45am on sections of School Lane, High Street and Wellington Gardens to ensure the safety of parade participants and spectators.

Further north, Midhurst will hold its Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial outside St Mary Magdalene and St Denys Church.

Residents are invited to gather at 10.45am for the ceremony, which will include the Last Post and wreath-laying before a church service.

In Petworth, commemorations will take place during the afternoon. The parade is scheduled to leave the Royal British Legion in Grove Street at 2.30pm before proceeding to St Mary's Church for a Service of Remembrance at 3pm. The parade will return afterwards.

Petworth will also mark Armistice Day on Wednesday, November 11, with a further Act of Remembrance at the war memorial outside St Mary's Church. Participants are expected to gather from 10.45am.

Across the Manhood Peninsula, a number of churches and communities will also be holding services.

At Birdham, a service at St James' Church is scheduled for 10am, followed by an Act of Remembrance at 10.50am beside the war memorial in the churchyard. A collection will be taken for the Royal British Legion.

In Itchenor, residents are invited to assemble at 10.45am at the war memorial at the entrance to St Nicholas Church churchyard. The Act of Remembrance will begin at 10.50am, followed by a church service featuring hymns and Holy Communion. A collection will be made for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Meanwhile, West Wittering will mark the occasion at St Peter and St Paul's Church. People are invited to arrive at 10.45am for an Act of Remembrance, including the traditional two-minute silence at 11am at the war memorial inside the church, followed by a service. A collection will be made for the Royal British Legion.

In East Wittering, a Remembrance Sunday parade and service is scheduled for 10.30am, with participants gathering at the village clock.

The community will meet again on Armistice Day, with a further service scheduled for 10.45am at the East Wittering Memorial Stone.