Manchester City Council News 23 Oct 2025 Council announces partnership with The Royal British Legion to honour Armed Forces

A three-year partnership with the Royal British Legion with events and activities through the year Providing funds to support residents to mark Remembrance events in their local neighbourhood

Manchester City Council has announced a new partnership with The Royal British Legion, aimed at recognising and honouring the sacrifices made by the UK's Armed Forces.

The partnerships will run for three years and will be marked by a series of commemorative events taking place across the city throughout the year - including Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day and other community events.

The collaboration reflects Manchester's enduring commitment to supporting veterans, service personnel, and their families, while fostering greater public understanding of the contributions and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community. As well as the millions of Armed forces veterans from the Commonwealth including African, Caribbean and South Asian communities.

The Royal British Legion plays a vital role in advocating for and supporting those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces. And through this partnership, the council will work closely with the Legion to deliver meaningful events and initiatives that engage residents, schools, local organisations and Friends Groups.

One of the most poignant tributes will be the extensive street dress and installation of lamppost poppies across areas of Manchester where themed events are taking place in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.

The poppy flower, a historical symbol of remembrance and respect, will be an ode to commemorating the city's proud history and ongoing solidarity with the Armed Forces.

Large poppies will be hung in key locations across the city where Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day events are taking place, as well as events and activities in parks, cemeteries and libraries, and war memorial sites. Poppies will also be sold at Heaton Park, Boggart Hole Clough Lakeside Cafe and Wythenshawe Park Cafe Courtyard. Libraries city-wide will also sell poppies on behalf of the RBL for the first time.

Remembrance Day will be marked on Sunday 9 November with the annual event in St Peter's Square, including symbolic maroon blast. Further events and activities will also take place in parks, schools, libraries and other community settings to take the memorial city-wide.

Funding for neighbourhood Remembrance and Armistice Day events and activities

The council will also continue its support for The Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal offering funding through the Neighbourhood Investment Fund to help local communities put on events and activities and honour the Armed Forces in their own neighbourhoods.

Armed Forces Day in June 2026 will feature community celebrations, educational outreach, and opportunities for residents to show their appreciation.

Funding applications should be made via the Council's website and deadline to apply is till 9am 29 October. The RBL Poppy Appeal runs from 23 October - 8 November.

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:

"Manchester always comes together to remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Armed forces throughout the year and this year I'm proud of our new partnership with the Royal British Legion.

"The Royal British Legion plays a vital role in honouring and supporting our Armed Forces community and are proud to stand alongside the Legion in partnership to recognise the sacrifices made by veterans and service personnel. Their work preserves the memory of those who served and ensures practical support reaches those who need it most. We know that Manchester people are proud of the city's heritage and we are committed to continuing our partnership - not just on Remembrance Sunday, but all year round.

"This year we are going even further to get local communities involved in Remembrance by launching a new fund for local projects across the city. Alongside our cenotaphs, cemeteries and civic buildings we are launching our call for communities that want poppies displayed in their communities to get in touch and join us. This is one example of Manchester coming together to celebrate our shared history and strengthening bonds for the future."

Ted Woolley, Acting County Chairman of the Royal British Legion, said:

"This year we've rightly celebrated two significant anniversaries; Victory in Europe Day (VE) and Victory over Japan Day (VJ). Although these events occurred 80 years ago the sacrifices made by our parents, grandparents and great grandparents should never be forgotten.

"We also need to look at the wars and conflicts we've been involved in since then and we shouldn't forget those that made the ultimate sacrifice. So, although Remembrance is often seen as just a day in November it is so much more to individual families as they remember their loved one's lost in conflict."

Councillor Tommy Judge, Armed Forces Lead, said:

"We're grateful to the Royal British Legion for shining a light on the contributions made by many veterans. Manchester is a city that deeply values its Armed Forces and the collaboration with the Legion means we have taken a considered commitment in showing our continued gratitude. This is about fairness, respect, and ensuring that those who are part of our community are treated with the dignity they deserve."