Ashby's Remembrance Day laying of wreaths will return to the War Memorial in Market Street next month - after being held at the Bath Grounds last year.

The 2021 service was staged away from the town centre due to Covid-19 concerns and restrictions still being in place.

However, there was a call for the service to remain at the Bath Grounds this year.

That drew strong objections from Ashby's Royal British Legion who suggested that the town might be the only one in the country not to have a service in front of its own War Memorial as a result.

However, the planning group favoured the tradition of the War Memorial but are keen to ensure the safety of those taking part, especially the children.

Therefore more barriers will be used to separate the viewing public.

This will be the first time in three years - due to the pandemic - that the crowds will have gathered in Market Street for Remembrance Sunday.

The full details of both Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day have been confirmed by Ashby de la Zouch Town Council today (Tuesday).

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For Armistice Day,, on Friday, November 11 at 11 am, a short act of remembrance will take place in Market Street in front of the War Memorial.

The section of Market Street between Brook Street and the Derby Road, will be closed for a short period from around 10:45 am to accommodate those who wish to attend.

The Town Council adds that the attendance of local schools and nurseries would be particularly welcome.

The Remembrance Day arrangements have also been released.

Calls for the service to stay at the Bath Grounds were strongly opposed. Photos: Ashby Nub News

Ashby Town Council says: "As we have been unable to secure the services of a band, there will be no 9am parade from Ivanhoe School."

For those attending the junior service at Holy Trinity Church, a small parade will assemble on the Bath Grounds and march to the church via Bath Street and Kilwardby Street.

This parade will leave the Bath Grounds at 9am prompt, ready for the 9.30 am service at Holy Trinity

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A rolling road closure will be in place from 8:45 am, which means that the vehicle access to Station Road will not be possible after this time.

The annual service of remembrance will take place at Saint Helen's church at 9:30 am.

Following the service at Saint Helen's, the parade will form up and leave Lower Church Street for the War Memorial in time for the Act of Remembrance and the laying of wreaths.

The route of the of the March for seniors will be: Form up in Lower Church Street; turn left into Market Street, down to the War Memorial.

The route of the march will for the juniors is: Turn right out of Holy Trinity, down Kilwardby Street, turn right into Bath Street, turn left into South Street, join the end of the main parade.

Also, this year's parade and service at the War Memorial will be live streamed on social media. 

The Town Council adds that, as there is no longer a poppy appeal organiser for Ashby, you can purchase wreaths directly from the Royal British Legion between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday.

Or from Nicola Mullen at [email protected].

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