Festival of Remembrance returns to Bradford Cathedral

The festival, which is on Sunday, November 7, will include community singing and the Parade of Standards, alongside the main Service of Remembrance.

This is the first time the festival has been held physically in the cathedral since 2019, after the 2020 service was held online only.

The festival will begin with a welcome from the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Shabir Hussain, and the Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford.

It will last for around 105 minutes from 5pm-6.45pm.

Seats are limited. Those who would like to attend the service are asked to book their free place via the Bradford Cathedral website.

Doors will open at 4:30pm and those attending are asked to be seated by 4:50pm, ahead of a the start.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Shabir Hussain said: “The Festival of Remembrance is always very special and after last year’s online event to be able to come together in person this year will be even more memorable.

“It is important that we remember all those who have lost their lives, been wounded, have suffered or are still suffering in any way, due to past and present conflicts around the world."

Following the welcome, there will be community singing led by soprano soloist Martha Hayward, and a music programme led by the Bradford Cathedral Choir, directed by Alexander Berry, and the City of Bradford Brass Band, directed by Sam Fisher.

The Service of Remembrance will then follow, with prayers, hymns, and an Act of Remembrance.

When the festival finishes there will be the opportunity for those to explore the areas of the cathedral dedicated to remembrance, including the World War I window, the Bradford Pals plaque, and the Standards.

There will also be a chance to reflect, through Diane Pacitti’s poem about the Bradford Pals, and statues of soldiers in the space to represent those who cannot be at the service.

There are also small information panels in key areas – with QR codes – that provide more information about these parts of the Cathedral.

The Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford, added: "The annual festival of Remembrance is such an important reminder about all the sacrifices that have been made, and to remember all those who suffered and died as a result of war.

“This service will be an important time of prayer, reflection and remembrance; a moment for all of us to stand together and to be grateful for the sacrifice made by our armed forces.”