Remembrance Day
Remembrance 2020 Guidance regarding safe delivery of Remembrance activity in Wales
FAQs
Q. Can Acts of Remembrance take place at War Memorials / Cenotaphs?
As an exception to the strict rules that apply in Wales until 9 November 2020, Acts of Remembrance that are outdoors such as at War Memorials / Cenotaphs are permitted to take place as long as they are in accordance with the requirements imposed by Welsh law.
Up to a maximum of 30 individuals are permitted to gather outdoors in order to take part in an Act of Remembrance held on 7 or 8 November. Those who organise should seek to make it as safe as possible, for example by putting in place social distancing and hygiene measures. Indoor services are not permitted.
Leaving home to gather with another person to attend an event held on this basis is allowed.
Signage should be used where possible to remind attendees of the need to maintain 2 metres’ distance between people who don’t live together.
There are no exceptions to the 30 people limit which includes event organisers.
Any road closures / policing issues are the responsibility of the organiser / local authority and police contact.
It is advised that anyone in an ‘at risk/vulnerable’ category consider other ways to mark Remembrance safely.
Activities such as singing, chanting, shouting should be avoided except where mitigations such as screens between participants can be put in place. A bugle or a trumpet can play the Last Post but should be directed away from other attendees at a reasonable distance.
Q. Can Services of Remembrance be held in a place of worship?
No - places of worship will not be open to the public for Acts of Remembrance. Places of worship can only open for wedding or civil partnership ceremonies and funerals.
Faith leaders may access a place of worship to broadcast (without a congregation) an act of worship, whether over the internet or as part of a radio or television broadcast. This could include a service of Remembrance and others working to facilitate the broadcast can also attend.
Q. Does a record of attendees need to be kept for outdoor Acts of Remembrance, for track and trace purposes?
There is no requirement to collect details of those attending the act of commemoration. However, due to the risks of gatherings of up to 30 people, if records were to be kept, this would improve the speed and efficiency of contacting people, in the event that someone who attended the service subsequently tests positive for the virus.
We recommend that organisers maintain a record of participants including official wreath layers and others taking an active role in the Act of Remembrance.
Q. Can Parades / marches be held to mark Remembrance this year?
Parades should be avoided in order to avoid attracting spectators to gather and reinforce the message that people should stay home during the ‘firebreak’ period.
Q. Can people travel to participate in Acts of Remembrance / Services? A person has a reasonable excuse to leave the place where they are living to attend an event to commemorate Remembrance that is held on 7 of 8 November. People should think about how far they should travel in order to minimise risk.
Remembrance ideas for 2020
As a result of Covid-19 restrictions, it may be necessary for individuals and communities to consider new ways of performing Remembrance activities,.
To give you a helping hand, you can visit The Royal British Legion website for a wide-range of suggested Covid safe activities that are inexpensive to create.
You could create your own Remembrance art piece to display in your window like the children’s rainbows in the windows for Covid-19.
Here are some printable ideas:
Colouring Picture - Lest We Forget
Colouring Picture - Poppy Wreath