West of England falls silent to pay respects

9 November 2025

Chloe Harcombe,West of England and

Ross Pollard,in Bath

BBC Captain John Ledgister. He is dressed in military uniform and has several medals on his jacket. He is looking at the camera and smiling. — Capt John Ledgister is the parade commander and director in Bath, Somerset

Thousands of people across the west of England gathered to pay their respects and mark Remembrance Sunday.

Parades, remembrance services and wreath-laying ceremonies were held in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire this morning.

The region fell silent at 11:00 GMT in honour of those that lost their lives in war.

Capt John Ledgister, parade commander and director in Bath, said: “We’re trying to get as many people to think about what others have done for them to live the life they live. That’s what it’s all about.”

Large crowds spanning different generations gathered to watch the service in Bath on Sunday morning.

“I look not just at the medals, but at the children that are wearing their grandfather’s or their forefather’s medals and how proud they must be that they’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice in their lives to give their life for our country,” Capt Ledgister said.

Hundreds of people gathered in Bath to pay their respects

A large crowd of people at a Remembrance Sunday service in Bath. — Hundreds of people gathered in Bath to pay their respects

Bharat Pankhania, the mayor of Bath, said Remembrance Sunday was “very important” for the veterans, serving military personnel and their families.

Mr Pankhania lost his cousin, who was serving for the Royal Air Force, to war in Yemen.

He said his loss had left a “permanent mark” on his family.

Bharat Pankhania, mayor of Bath, said these events were very important

Bharat Pankhania. He is dressed in mayoral attire which includes a red robe and a black hat. He is looking at the camera and smiling. — Bharat Pankhania, mayor of Bath, said these events were very important

“I salute, I respect and I remember all our soldiers who fell,” he said.

“There are fewer and fewer veterans now left and their memories fade, but we must never allow that memory to fade,” he added.

The other counties in the region also held events to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.

In Bristol, a procession travelled from College Green down to the Cenotaph, where a service was held.

People gathered for a service at Bristol Cenotaph

A service at Bristol Cenotaph. There are people standing directly in front of the memorial, speaking into a microphone. Crowds can be seen watching the service. — People gathered for a service at Bristol Cenotaph

Military units, cadets and veterans paraded from College Green to the Bristol Cenotaph

A group of men in military uniform. They are all wearing black suits and hats that are red and white. Many of them have medals on their jackets too. They are all standing in rows and looking forward. — Military units, cadets and veterans paraded from College Green to the Bristol Cenotaph

Crowds also gathered at Cheltenham’s Long Gardens on the Promenade to watch a parade and service.

Poppy wreaths were laid and a trumpeter played “The Last Post” before the two-minute silence was observed.

Air Marshall Sir Dusty Miller attended the service in Cheltenham

An elderly man dressed in military uniform. He has light grey/white hair and a moustache. He is looking at the camera. — Air Marshall Sir Dusty Miller attended the service in Cheltenham

Tributes left in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Flt Lt Samson Hedley. He is wearing military uniform and is looking directly at the camera and smiling. — Flt Lt Samson Hedley in Cheltenham

Tidworth Town Council organised a parade at the Civic Centre War Memorial, which was attended by veterans, military groups, community organisations and members of the public.

A service was also held at St Michael’s Church.