2026 Remembrance Sunday Civic Service

The Remembrance Sunday Service in Sittingbourne, organised by Swale Borough Council, will take place on Sunday 8 November.

The day will begin with a service at St Michael’s Church at 10am, followed by a procession led by representatives of the Royal British Legion Riders, veterans, and local community groups.

The procession will make its way to the War Memorial, where those attending will gather for the Act of Remembrance, commencing at 11am.

Following the formal proceedings, individuals and organisations will be invited to lay wreaths and personal tributes in honour of those who gave their lives in service.

The full Order of Service for the ceremony at the Cenotaph can be viewed online.

To support attendance at Remembrance events, the council will be offering a one-off period of free parking in all Swale Borough Council car parks across the borough, with the exception of Bourne Place Multi-Storey Car Park in Sittingbourne, between 7am and 2pm on Sunday 8 November.

To facilitate the service, Central Avenue, from the Police Station to the High Street, will be closed to traffic from 8am until 12pm. Central Avenue Car Park will also be closed during this period.

Cllr Derek Carnell, Mayor of Swale, said:

"The Act of Remembrance at Sittingbourne War Memorial brings together people from across Swale each year to honour those who lost their lives in conflict, remember our veterans, and recognise the service and dedication of those currently serving in the Armed Forces.

"As we come together to reflect and pay our respects, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all members of our Armed Forces, past and present, as well as to their families, whose support and sacrifices are so often made quietly behind the scenes."

Cllr Hannah Perkin, Chair of Swale Borough Council's Housing, Health and Communities Committee, said:

"We are pleased to be offering free parking in council car parks between 7am and 2pm to help make sure that as many people as possible can take part in Remembrance events across Swale.

"Although ongoing budget pressures make it increasingly difficult to provide free parking, we recognise the importance of Remembrance Sunday to our communities and remain committed to making attendance as accessible as possible.

"I would encourage everyone to take a moment to come together, reflect, and remember those who gave so much in service to their country, without having to worry about parking charges during the morning's commemorations."

What is Remembrance Sunday?

Originally Remembrance Day was held on 11 November each year, as First World War hostilities ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1956 the date was fixed as the second Sunday of November. Each year Remembrance Sunday remembers all those who fought and died in any conflict, as well as veterans and soldiers who are still serving for their country.

Why Poppies?

The most recognisable symbol of Remembrance Sunday is the red poppy, which became associated with World War I memorials after scores of the flowers bloomed on the former battlefields of Belgium and northern France. (The phenomenon was depicted in the popular 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields,” by Canadian soldier John McCrae.) In 1921 the newly formed British Legion (now the Royal British Legion), a charitable organisation for veterans, began selling red paper poppies for Armistice Day, and its annual Poppy Appeal has been enormously successful.

Why Two Minutes Silence?

This silent pause gives us an opportunity so that, in perfect stillness, the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on remembering those who have sacrificed so much. The first minute represents all those who have died; and the second minute is for those who survived.

Where can you park?

Click here to find a car park in Swale.

Are there other events in the borough?

You can see other events taking place across the borough on the council’s website.

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