Melton Mowbray Remembers

Residents of Melton Mowbray gathered in the town centre today to pay their respects to the fallen and watch the memorial parade march through Melton Mowbray Town Centre.

The Melton Band lead the parade and were joined by representation from the Armed Forces, Royal British Legion, RAF Association, Royal Army Veterinary Association, Army and Air Cadets along with Scouts, Guides and local clubs.

The Melton Band making their way towards the church. Photo: NEMM.

After last year's event was scaled down due to the Coronavirus pandemic, people of all ages gathered in the town to watch the annual event which was brilliantly organised and very poignant.

Members of the community gather in the memorial gardens to watch the service on Sunday. Photo: NEMM.

The parade left King Street car park before marching down Sage Cross Street, on to Sherrard Street towards St. Mary's Church where a service of remembrance was taken by Team Rector, Revd Kevin Ashby.

Members of the armed forces make their way down Sherard Street, Melton. Photo: NEMM.

The parade was made up from various members of the community including representatives from Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service (Melton Station), Scouts, Beavers and representatives from Melton Royal Air Force Association and the Defence Animal Training Regiment.

The turnout of visitors to watch the parade was very impressive with many lining the streets along the route to watch it go through the town.

Representatives from the DATR line up in Burton Street, Melton, ahead of the second part of the parade. Photo: NEMM.

One resident in the crowd, Teresa (56) from Melton, said: "It's so nice to see people out marking such an important day. After the last year of being indoors, seeing people out filling the streets is a wonderful sight to see."

Melton Borough Council planned the event in collaboration with the Royal British Legion, Defence Animal Training Regiment, Town Estate, Melton Police, Melton Lions and St Mary’s Church.

The congregation marched down Sherrard Street on to Leicester Street in to St. Mary's Church where a service was held to remember the fallen.

The service was streamed on the local parish website for those who couldn't attend the service in person where they read readings and observed the two minutes silence.

The parade marching up Wilton Road, towards Egerton Lodge, in today's parade. Photo: NEMM.

From there they reformed on Burton Street before marching down Leicester Street in to the memorial gardens in Egerton Lodge for a wreath laying ceremony where representatives from the community laid wreaths to honour the fallen.

The parade was lead by Crouch Recovery who, along with Scout personnel, the Police and other members of the community monitored traffic flow ensuring the safety of visitors.

To view our full gallery of today's parade please click here.