War Memorial Gallery announce Remembrance Day celebrations

Stockport has always found its own way to remember, from poppies, wreaths, parades, bugle calls and now the sound of maroon rockets, the town ensures that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten.

Image Credits: David Dixon

To mark the beginning of this silence on Armistice Day, maroon rockets will be launched right by us from the civic complex beside Stockport’s War Memorial Art Gallery.

Their distinctive sounds are reported to be heard from up to 2 miles away, carrying across the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.

For anyone unfamiliar with the tradition, the sudden sound can come as a surprise, but the rockets serve a very special purpose. They signal the start and finish of the two-minute silence, allowing people throughout Stockport to join in remembering those who gave their lives in service of their country.

The public is welcome to attend the two-minute silence at 11am on the steps of the War Memorial Art Gallery. Open from 10am to 12pm that morning, a service will take place, allowing residents to pay their respects.

Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Mark Hunter, said: “On Remembrance Sunday, people across Stockport will come together in quiet reflection to remember all those who served, sacrificed and gave their lives in times of war and conflict.

“We honour their courage and remember the families and communities whose lives were changed forever.

“Remembrance also passes from one generation to the next. By gathering together, wearing our poppies and observing the silence, we ensure that those sacrifices are never forgotten and reaffirm our shared hope for a more peaceful future.

“Across generations, we remember together, with gratitude for their sacrifice and hope for a peaceful future.”