Communities across the Isle of Wight will come together on Sunday 8th November 2026 to honour those who have served and sacrificed, as Remembrance Sunday services and events take place across the Island.
The County Remembrance Service will take place in St Thomas’ Square, Newport, organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Civic Office in close collaboration with the Royal British Legion’s Newport and Carisbrooke Branch and Newport Minster.
Service times in Newport
A church service will take place at Newport Minster from 10am, concluding at around 10.30am.
Those who do not wish to attend the church service are invited to gather at the war memorial in St Thomas’ Square from 10.25am, ahead of the outdoor ceremony beginning at 10.45am.
Who will attend
The County Remembrance Service will be attended by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Mrs Susie Sheldon, alongside civic dignitaries, representatives of the Armed Forces including veterans, cadets, reservists and members of the Island community.
Order of the ceremony
The ceremony will include contributions from Reverend Chris Bradish, Newport Team Rector and Isle of Wight Area Dean, alongside members of the Island Armed Forces community.
An Isle of Wight cadet will deliver the traditional Exhortation, followed by the Last Post and the two-minute silence. An Isle of Wight reservist will then recite the Kohima Epitaph before the laying of wreaths at the war memorial, accompanied by Elgar’s Nimrod, performed by the Vectis Corps of Drums.
The involvement of both a cadet and a serving reservist reflects the importance of bringing different generations and experiences together in remembrance, recognising both the Island’s longstanding military connections and those who continue to serve today.
Chairman’s address
Councillor Ian Dore, chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, the council’s Armed Forces Champion and himself a veteran, will deliver the closing address, followed by a blessing from Reverend Bradish and the National Anthem.
Councillor Dore said,
“As a veteran, Remembrance Sunday holds a particular significance for me, but remembrance belongs to everyone.
“It’s important that we bring together different generations, from those who have served, those who are currently serving, and the young people who will carry the responsibility of remembrance into the future.
“Across the Island, families and communities have their own connections to military service and its lasting impact.
“Whatever our backgrounds or beliefs, remembrance is something we can share, united in our gratitude and respect for all those who have given so much.”
Parade route
Following the ceremony, a full marching parade will proceed from St Thomas’ Square onto Newport High Street, continuing to St James’ Square and along Pyle Street before returning to St Thomas’ Square.
As the parade marches past the war memorial on its return, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant will take the salute.
Attending and laying wreaths
Members of the public are warmly invited to attend and pay their respects. Anyone wishing to lay a wreath should arrive early and make themselves known to the Parade Marshal.
A full order of service will be available on the day.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
