THE customary Remembrance Day parade and ceremony in Wellington will not be held next month because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Along with much of the rest of the world each year, Wellington pays tribute every November to those who have fallen in wars with a parade of organisations and a Remembrance Day service at The Park.

Wellington Town Council in a statement this week said: “A small wreath-laying service for invitees only will be conducted on Sunday, November 8, at 2pm – we ask the public not to attend this year. Tim Treanor, Parish Rector, will attend to say a few words of remembrance.

“Due to Covid-19 and considering the Government’s guidelines on mass gatherings and social distancing, brought about by the current Covid-19 pandemic, the town council and Royal British Legion felt it would not be possible to keep everyone safe or ensure restrictions are complied with. This event will be live-streamed, via the town council’s Facebook page.”

The statement asked that organisations which would like to lay a wreath at the memorial in The Park should do so after 3pm on November 8 and requested that only one person from each organisation laid the wreath.

Wellington Mayor Janet Lloyd and representatives of the Royal British Legion will address the town’s residents at 10.55am on Wednesday, November 11, from the council chambers, which will also be streamed on the town council’s Facebook page, and will be followed by two minutes’ silence at 11am.

The statement added: “We ask the town’s residents to show their respect by standing outside their homes at 11am.”