A simple service of thanksgiving and commemoration for Remembrance Sunday will be held at York Minster on Sunday 8 November.

The service will include the act of commemoration and the national two minutes silence.  The Archbishop of York, The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell will preach and the service will be attended by members of the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force, Veterans, the Royal British Legion York, and York’s Civic Party.

Admission to the service will be strictly by pre-booked ticket to manage the numbers inside the cathedral in line with Government and Church of England Covid-19 secure guidelines. The service will be livestreamed from 10.30am making it possible for those who would normally attend the service to experience the occasion in real time.

Commenting on the service, Canon Maggie McLean, Canon Missioner at York Minster said:

“Attendance at this year’s service will be severely limited by the Coronavirus restrictions, but we invite people to join us via the livestream to pray and to give thanks for the duty and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, past and present.”

Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said:  “We understand that many people will want to show their thanks and respect on the day. This year’s service will be quite different to previous years, without the usual parade and a scaled down service. We hope that the livestream of the service will give people a chance to take part from home.

“It is important that we mark this occasion with the respect it deserves, whilst doing all we can to ensure that our city, friends and family are safe. We want to thank residents for their support and understanding whilst they show their respect in their own way.”

The Revd Richard Hall, Padre, 2^nd Signal Regiment and York Garrison said:

“For the military community here in York, very aware of the current challenges facing so many, it is really good to have the opportunity to participate in a remembrance service in the Minster. Though only a representative few of us can attend, hopefully many of us can watch it online, as we remember those who served, and who currently serve, on front lines past and present.”

Access to the service

There will be a very limited number of free tickets for this service to help us safely manage the numbers inside the cathedral.  These will need to be booked in advance from www.yorkminster.org and will be available from Saturday 31 October.  The service will be livestreamed from 10.30am on Sunday 8 November.  Go to York Minster’s social media accounts or www.yorkminster.org for details on the day.