COVID: Public Asked To Stay Away From Cenotaph On Remembrance Sunday

The public has been asked to stay away from the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday 2020 because of the coronavirus crisis.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has urged people to mark this year's event on Sunday 8 November at home.

"This Remembrance Sunday has a particular significance as it marks one hundred years since the Cenotaph was installed," he said.

"Whilst we will mark this occasion properly, it is with a heavy heart that I must ask people not to attend the ceremony at the Cenotaph this year in order to keep veterans and the public safe.

"We will ensure our plans for the day are a fitting tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and that our veterans are at the heart of the service – with the nation able to watch safely from home."

The service in central London will be closed to the public for the first time and the Royal British Legion veteran march-past will not take place.

The Remembrance service is expected to go ahead with representatives of the Royal Family, the Government and the Armed Forces laying wreaths at the Cenotaph.

Some veterans will be invited to attend the service, which will see coronavirus safety measures in place.

Cover image: Chelsea Pensioners march past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday in 2019 (Picture: MOD).