CITY centre services for Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday will not take place at Bradford cenotaph this year, due to groundworks around the memorial.

Instead, services will be held at Centenary Square and City Park. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Gerry Barker, said the decision “has not been taken lightly” and both services would “carry the same significance as in previous years”.

On Armistice Day, Saturday, November 11 at 11am, a short service will take place in Centenary Square, led by the Dean of Bradford, The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman, and attended by the Lord Mayor. The Last Post and Reveille will be sounded and a two minute silence observed.

On Sunday, November 12 The Lord Mayor will attend the Parade and Service of Remembrance in City Park. The Civic Parade will form at City Hall and make its way around the Mirror Pool. The service starts at 11am, led by the Dean of Bradford.

The Sunset Ceremony will conclude the service. Those wishing to take part in the parade are asked to assemble in Centenary Square at 10.15am. Wreaths laid as part of the Remembrance Sunday service will remain in City Park in the afternoon and later transferred to the cenotaph. Access to the area around the cenotaph will be kept clear for who wishing to pay their respects before or after the service.

Cllr Barker, said: “The extensive groundworks in the area around the cenotaph has reduced the capacity of the area where the service usually takes place, and with up to 2,000 people expected to attend, we’ve taken the difficult decision to relocate the services to City Park.

"This will ensure there will be enough room for those coming to pay their respects to do so safely and with the dignity it deserves.

"After careful consideration and in consultation with various representatives we feel that changing the location this year is the right thing to do. We understand that this may come as a disappointment to some, but this decision has been taken with the safety of everyone in mind.

"The annual services of Remembrance in our district are always moving events. It is important that we continue to remember those who have lost their lives, been wounded, have suffered or are still suffering due to past and present conflicts around the world.”

City Hall will be lit in red on November 11 and 12. The Royal British Legion flag and the Union flags will fly in the city centre and district until Remembrance Sunday. Bradford Council vehicles will display poppies in tribute.

Signs directing people to City Park will be in car parks and around the cenotaph. Extra disabled parking spaces will be available for Blue Badge holders on Broadway for the Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 12.

For details of Remembrance services in the district visit bradford.gov.uk