Beacon Lighting to Conclude a Weekend of Remembrance Events in Bedford
This weekend will see a range of events in Bedford marking the centenary of the end of the First World War and remembering those members of the Armed Forces who have lost their lives. The weekend of events will culminate in the lighting of a 'Beacon of Light', as part of the 'Battle's Over' National Tribute on 11th November.
Following the lighting of a beacon by the Queen at 7pm beacons will be lit up and down the country. So far more than 800 beacons are confirmed across the United Kingdom, with over 1,000 expected to take part. Bedford will join the event with Mayor Dave Hodgson lighting a beacon lighting tribute at the War Memorial on Bedford Embankment.
Locally the event will be hosted by Bedford Borough Council with local people invited to attend the free celebration.
The Royal British Legion has also organised a number of events taking place over the weekend in Bedford including:
- A Festival of Remembrance at the Corn Exchange on Friday 9th November. All are welcome and tickets are available from Bedford Corn Exchange
- The installation of a commemorative bench on The Embankment.
- Service of Thanksgiving at St Peter's Church, 2:30pm on the 10th November. All invited
- An overnight vigil, by the War Memorial on The Embankment.
- Remembrance Service, The Embankment, at 10:30 on the 11th November.
Other memorials are taking place across the Borough, including the Kempston Remembrance Day service on 11th November at Kempston East Methodist Church followed by the parade down to the War Memorial to lay wreaths and observe a silence.
Commenting on the beacon lighting tribute, Mayor Dave said: "We are lighting this beacon in tribute to the many who lost their lives during the darkness of the First World War. Everyone is invited to this event which will help foster a real sense of community spirit, bringing together people young and old to mark 100 years of remembrance"
Remembrance events in Bedford have already begun, with Mayor Dave Hodgson attending the Scots Society's Remembrance service at Foster Hill Road yesterday (Sunday 4th November.)