A NUMBER of events are being held across Chorley to remember those who lost their lives serving their country with 2018 having added significance as it marks 100 years since the end of the First World War.

The main Remembrance Sunday service and parade will take place on November 11 with people being reminded that a number of changes have been made to this year’s arrangements to accommodate increasing numbers of people who wish to attend.

The new arrangements include the formation of the parade on the Flat Iron Car Park at 10.10am with a short service taking place at the Pals Memorial Statue on Union Street.

Following this, the parade will make its way to the cenotaph in Astley Park where the service of Remembrance will be held, including the two minute silence and laying of wreaths.

At the cenotaph in Astley Park, there will be designated areas for members of the public to stand to ensure the parade can safely enter and depart the area.

Stewards will also be on hand to direct those attending and advise on the order of proceedings.

After the service at the cenotaph, there will be an opportunity for members of the public to lay wreaths. If you wish to lay a wreath, ring Glyn Gaskell on 07495 020077.

Cllr Peter Wilson, deputy leader of Chorley Council with responsibility for events, said: “This year is a particularly poignant moment in our history as we commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War so we have worked with various groups, organisations and people from across the Chorley area to make sure there are plenty of opportunities for local people to pay tribute to those who lost their lives serving their country.

“In particular we have had to make changes to the main Remembrance Sunday service to accommodate the increased interest and numbers of people attending.

If you are planning to attend the service at the cenotaph, please be aware of the public standing areas and listen to the stewards.”

Other events taking place as part of the town’s tributes include: the illumination of Rivington Pike with the poppy symbol from Friday 9 to Thursday 15 November, a Festival of Remembrance concert at 7.30pm at Chorley town hall on Saturday 10 November and musical performances and a documentary viewing at the Garden of Reflection in Astley Park plus the chance to see the Chorley 100 exhibition at Astley Coach House and an Armistice Concert at 7pm in Chorley town hall on Sunday 11 November

“The tributes will start on Friday 9 November with the lighting of Rivington Pike every evening for one week and this has been made possible with help from Horwich Town Council,” added Coun Wilson.

“Following that there will be concerts in the town hall with one organised by Chorley and District Choral Society and the other organised by the Chorley Pals Memorial Trust.

“With Astley Hall being donated as a war memorial in 1922 by Sir Reginald Arthur Tatton it is fitting for us to dedicate the afternoon of Sunday November 11 to reflection and remembrance with something for all ages taking place at Astley Hall, Coach House and Park.

“The council is also paying tribute by adding poppies to council vehicles. All are welcome at the events and tributes, however, it is recommended that the illumination of Rivington Pike is viewed from afar.”

Full details of all of the Chorley Remembrance tributes are available at chorley.gov.uk