Remembrance Service at County Hall to take place on Armistice Day

Residents across Dorset are invited to join the county's annual Remembrance Service on Armistice Day as the community comes together to remember and honour those who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars, and in conflicts since. 

The service will begin at 10.55am on Wednesday 11 November 2026 at the Memorial Area at County Hall, Dorchester. 

Led by Revd John Yarrien, the service will begin with the Proclamation of Peace read by Dorchester Town Crier Mr Anthony Harrison. The raising of the Flag of Peace throughout Nations will follow before the Act of Remembrance. 

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Mr Michael Dooley LVO, will deliver the Exhortation, followed by the sounding of the Last Post, a two-minute silence, and Reveille. 

The Kohima Plea will be delivered by Captain Nirmal Rai on behalf of the Brigade of Gurkhas. 

A Prayer for World Peace will be read by the Chair of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones MBE, before the names of former council staff who lost their lives while serving their country during wartime are read aloud in tribute. 

Musical contributions will be provided by St Osmund's School Choir, performing a cappella, and Durnovaria Silver Band. Representatives of the Armed Forces, veterans' organisations, associations, civic dignitaries and community groups will be invited to lay wreaths. 

The service will be streamed live via our Facebook page and residents are warmly invited to attend in person or watch online. 

Cllr Stella Jones MBE, Chair of Dorset Council, said: 

"Armistice Day gives us an important opportunity to pause, reflect and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. As we come together in remembrance, we honour not only those who lost their lives during the World Wars, but also those who have served in more recent conflicts. 

"Their courage, dedication and selflessness secured the freedoms we enjoy today. By gathering as a community, we ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten, and we reaffirm our commitment to peace for future generations."