Change of location for Diss Remembrance wreath-laying ceremony

A wreath-laying ceremony for a town’s remembrance parade and service is set to for a change of venue this year to allow more people to attend the event.

Jointly organised by Diss Town Council and the Royal British Legion, tributes will begin at Mere’s Mouth in Diss at approximately 2.15pm on Sunday, November 10.

But, in a new arrangement this year, the wreath-laying ceremony will be held in Diss Market Place.

A council spokeswoman said the new location would aid attendees.

“The Market Place offers significantly more room for the public to observe the ceremony, without crowd congestion around the war memorial, St Nicholas Street and Mount Street,” she said.

“The larger area also allows children and younger attendees to have a clearer view of the ceremony, promoting greater engagement and understanding of Remembrance Sunday.

“And, with its open layout, the Market Place ensures better crowd control and safer movement for attendees, especially for those with mobility issues.”

The parade attracts more than 35 different organisations, including the Salvation Army Band, standard and flag bearers, the Royal British Legion, members of the Armed Forces, air and army cadets, emergency services, youth groups and various charities.

After the parade, a short drumhead service will be conducted in the Market Place.

It will see Philippa Taylor, deputy lieutenant for Norfolk, and Adrian Ramsay, MP fr Waveney Valley, lay wreaths at the drumhead altar.

Following the ceremony, St Mary’s Church will host a remembrance service, starting at 3pm.

During this time, the wreaths will be moved to the war memorial, where the event will conclude with a small dedication after the church service.

The event is organised by a committee led by Diss Town Council, with representatives from the Diss and District Royal British Legion, Salvation Army, St Mary’s Church, RAFA, and local cadet units.

During the parade, a temporary road closure will be in effect from 2pm to 3.30pm.

The closure will affect Mere Street, Market Place, St Nicholas Street, Mount Street (from Saracens Head to Market Place) and Market Hill.

Additionally, a minute’s silence will be observed in the Market Place on Monday, November 11, at 11am, and the public is invited to attend this important tribute.