PLANS to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day under the Covid-19 national lockdown are well underway across the Bradford district.

The Covid-19 regulations in place to stop the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable people mean the regular service cannot go ahead.

Bradford Council has been working hard to ensure the day is marked across the district to remember the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom in the First and Second World Wars, and other subsequent conflicts.

Wreaths have begun to be laid at the cenotaph in Bradford city centre, from council leader Susan Hinchcliffe and chief executive Kersten England.

A wreath on behalf of the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Doreen Lee will also be privately laid at the Cenotaph, and across the district local councillors will lay wreaths at war memorials where services would usually be held.

Residents and veterans are urged not to gather tomorrow at 11am, but take a private moment between Sunday and Armistice Day, Wednesday, November 11, to visit war memorials and pay their respects.

At 10.30am tomorrow, Bradford Cathedral will stream a service of Remembrance on its website, and at 3pm a special pre-recorded service will go on the cathedral’s Facebook and YouTube pages, with readings and prayers from representatives of different faiths. It will also be streamed again on Armistice Day at 11am.

The Lord Mayor Cllr Lee said: “We are extremely proud of our Armed Forces past and present and this year’s Remembrance Day and Armistice Day will of course be commemorated but in a different way than normal.

“We will safely, remember all those who sacrificed so much. Please pay your respects at home and watch the service taking place at Bradford Cathedral and the acts of remembrance service and observe the 2-minute silence on your doorstep.”

There are also a number of displays to mark Remembrance around the district.

City Hall is being lit up red until Wednesday, with the Royal British Legion and Union flags flying proudly over Centenary Square.

On Vicarage Lawn in Holme Wood more than 1,500 handmade poppies are on display, and Rev Betty Pedley said it was a “communal display of Remembrance by people who have been isolating”.

All Saints’ Church in Bingley also has a stunning poppy display adorning its entrance, and a similarly beautiful display can be seen at Denholme Shared Church. There is also a fitting tribute by the war memorial located in East Bierley.

Council vehicles are proudly displaying poppies and contractors Jointline Ltd, who install road markings for the Council, are drawing poppies on the roads near Bradford Cenotaph, outside Shipley Town Hall, in Bingley’s Main Street, near Ilkley War Memorial and in North Street, Keighley over the coming days.

Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “Remembrance Day is a hugely significant day for us all and it is very sad we are not able to mark it in the way we usually do, but rest assured this does not prevent us from remembering; we will all still reflect and remember.

“The safety of our veterans and residents is our number one priority and at this time we are asking people to remember in our homes and in our thoughts – united apart for those who sacrificed so much.”

Rev Dr Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford, added: “I am so proud of the way in which Bradford has worked to enable us to remember all those who suffered and died as a result of war.

“This year I am especially glad that faith leaders from our City and District are offering prayers that would have been recited at the funeral of a service man or woman from their faith tradition.

“This is a moment for all of us to stand together and to be grateful for the sacrifice made by our armed forces.”

People are being encouraged to use the hashtag #BradfordRemembers on social media to share how they are marking the day.