Remembrance events must be outdoor only, Downing Street says

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY events in England will be allowed to go ahead despite the coronavirus lockdown, Downing Street has said.

Events to honour those who gave their lives in the defence of the nation will be allowed to take place outside as long as social distancing measures are in place.

A national ceremony at the Cenotaph in London will also take place, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.

Guidance will be issued to councils across England about how to safely mark Remembrance Sunday on November 8 and Armistice Day on November 11.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s important that the country can continue to come together to remember the sacrifice of those who have died in the service of their country and we will ensure that Remembrance Sunday is appropriately commemorated while protecting public health.”

The spokesman said: “We are certainly not cancelling Remembrance Sunday events but we must be mindful of the risks such events pose, especially to veterans who are often elderly.

“What we are saying to local authorities in England is that they may organise remembrance services but they should be outside and social distance should be maintained.

“We will be updating the guidance shortly.”

Yorkshire- born veteran and fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore will feature in the televised Festival of Remembrance, it emerged yesterday. BBC programming in Remembrance Week will mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

On BBC One, Huw Edwards will present the annual Festival of Remembrance, this time with social distancing, from the Royal Albert Hall in London.