Armistice Day Homecoming in Fleetwood

Homecoming parade 2014

Wyre Council, Fleetwood Town Council and a host of partner organisations are coming together to host homecoming commemorations across Wyre this November.

The final homecoming is a project marking the centenary Armistice Day, which will include a series of events culminating in a final homecoming parade on Monday 12 November in Fleetwood. The project is supported by Heritage Lottery Funding as well as funding from Wyre Council, Fleetwood Town Council and The Regenda Group.

At Fleetwood Market there will be ‘just reminiscing’ drop in sessions and join in art sessions with artist Linda Copeland, as well as live improvisations taking place in the homefront room.

 The Northern Festival of Remembrance will take place once again at Marine Hall in Fleetwood. The Mayor of Wyre, Councillor Marge Anderton is hosting this special festival and all proceeds will be donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

A final homecoming exhibition marquee will be set up in Marine Hall gardens, which will host an exhibition of replicas, artefacts and posters of life on the homefront, as well as contemporary posters and pieces of creative writing devised by local children, young people and adults. Also in the marquee there will be a variety concert of song, poetry and re-enactment, featuring mezzo soprano Patricia Hammond, musical arranger Matt Redman and local showcases.

Marine Hall will host Keep the Home Fires Burning, a new musical featuring the songs of the Great War. The show commemorates the resilience and bravery of the people involved, as well as the stories of the loyal loved ones they left behind. There also will be two commemorative tea dances taking place at Marine Hall.

 On Armistice Day, Sunday 11 November, there will be a centenary beacon lighting at the Mount Pavilion in Fleetwood. This is a national commemoration where a beacon will be lit on the Mount to connect with other beacons across Morecambe Bay. There are also a number of services taking place on Remembrance Sunday across the borough’s towns and villages.

The final homecoming parade then closes the commemorations on Monday 12 November. Starting at 11am, the parade commences from Memorial Park Fleetwood and ends at the Marine Hall marquee. This is a mass participation community parade involving local schools, residents, community groups, veterans, musicians and re-enactment troupes. The 1000 strong parade will walk through the town, finishing in the Marine Gardens.

Councillor David Henderson, Leader of Wyre Council comments, “Many residents of Wyre will have family members who were part of or affected by World War One and conflicts since. We are proud to be a part of the homecoming project and encourage local people from across the borough to join us in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

For details of dates, times and ticket prices of the homecoming events visit wyre.gov.uk/homecoming. To register your interest to take part in the parade please email [email protected]