Remembrance Day in Coventry 2026
Every November, people across Coventry come together to remember the brave men and women who lost their lives in the two World Wars and other conflicts, and to honour the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces. From the annual Remembrance Sunday parade at War Memorial Park to the two-minute silence in the city centre, there are several ways to pay your respects and take part in Remembrance Day in Coventry.
Whether you're looking for Remembrance Sunday services in Coventry, want to attend a local remembrance event, find out where to buy a poppy or discover ways to support the Royal British Legion, we've put together a guide to what's happening this November.
Remembrance Day in Coventry 2026 | Remembrance Sunday, Services & Events
Coventry is known as a City of Peace and Reconciliation, making Remembrance particularly significant here. Alongside the traditional services, the annual Coventry Peace Festival brings communities together through events, activities and discussions celebrating peace, friendship and understanding.
Here's everything you need to know about Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday in Coventry in 2026.
When is Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday 2026?
There are two important dates to remember in November:
Remembrance Sunday 2026: Sunday 8th November.
Armistice Day (Remembrance Day): Wednesday 11th November.
Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, always falls on 11th November. It marks the anniversary of the Armistice agreement, which came into effect at 11am on 11th November 1918, bringing the fighting of the First World War to an end.
Each year, a two-minute silence is observed at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who lost their lives in conflict.
Remembrance Sunday takes place on the second Sunday in November. It is a national day of remembrance, when services and parades are held at war memorials, churches and other locations across the UK.
In Coventry, the main Remembrance Sunday service takes place at the Cenotaph in War Memorial Park, with a further service at London Road Cemetery.
Remembrance Events in Coventry 2026
There are several opportunities to remember and pay your respects in Coventry this November. From the city's annual Peace Festival to the traditional Remembrance Sunday parade and a short service at West Orchards, here are the events to look out for.
Coventry Peace Festival 2026
Dates: Thursday 5th – Thursday 19th November 2026
Location: Various locations across Coventry, with some events in Nuneaton and Bedworth
Price: Free
Coventry's annual Peace Festival celebrates the city's proud identity as a City of Peace and Reconciliation. Taking place over two weeks in November, the festival brings people together to promote peace, tolerance, friendship and understanding.
The free programme includes a variety of activities for all ages, including poetry workshops, guided walks, craft sessions, community storytelling, talks and remembrance events.
It's a lovely opportunity to learn more about Coventry's history, get involved in the local community and reflect on the importance of peace.
A particularly significant part of the festival is the Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade at War Memorial Park on Sunday 8th November, followed by the Communal Grave Service at London Road Cemetery at 3pm.
Find out more: Coventry Peace Festival 2026 – Full Programme
Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade | War Memorial Park
Date: Sunday 8th November 2026
Time: 10.30am onwards (the parade arrives at approximately 10.45am)
Location: War Memorial Park, Kenilworth Road, Coventry, CV3 6PT
Cost: Free
The annual Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade is one of Coventry's most significant remembrance events, taking place at the Cenotaph in the city's beautiful War Memorial Park.
Everyone is welcome to attend this moving service, which brings together members of the public, the Lord Mayor of Coventry, the Bishop of Coventry, serving and retired members of the Armed Forces, veterans, local organisations and community groups.
The service pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the two World Wars and other conflicts around the world.
The morning begins with solemn music from the City of Coventry Brass Band at 10.30am, followed by the arrival of the parade at approximately 10.45am. The service includes the traditional two-minute silence, giving everyone an opportunity to pause and remember.
Following the main service, the parade will march past the saluting base.
There is also a further opportunity to pay your respects at the Communal Grave Service at London Road Cemetery at 3pm.
Find out more: Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade – Coventry
3. Remembrance Day Service | West Orchards Shopping Centre
Date: Wednesday 11th November 2026
Time: 10.40am – 11am
Location: West Orchards Shopping Centre, West Orchard Way, Coventry, CV1 1QX
Cost: Free
If you're in Coventry city centre on Armistice Day, why not join the Remembrance Day service at West Orchards Shopping Centre?
Every year, West Orchards welcomes members of the public and invited guests to take part in a short remembrance service to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
The service is followed by the traditional two-minute silence at 11am, giving shoppers, visitors and the local community the opportunity to stop and remember those who lost their lives in war and conflict.
The service is free and open to everyone, making it a convenient opportunity to take part in the city's Remembrance commemorations.
The West Orchards service is also part of the wider Coventry Peace Festival programme.
Find out more: Remembrance Day Service at West Orchards
Where can I buy a poppy in Coventry?
One of the most recognisable symbols of Remembrance is the red poppy. Each year, people across the UK wear a poppy in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day as a way of remembering those who have served and sacrificed their lives in the Armed Forces.
The Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal raises money to support serving and ex-serving members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and their families.
There are several ways to get your poppy in Coventry:
Supermarkets: Look out for Poppy Appeal collections in larger supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and Asda.
Local shops: Poppy collections are often available in high street shops and other community locations.
Train stations: You may find poppy collectors at local railway stations.
Online: You can order poppy merchandise directly from the Royal British Legion's online Poppy Shop.
Poppies are available in different styles, including traditional paper poppies, pin badges and other merchandise.
How much should you donate for a poppy?
There is no set amount you have to donate to receive a poppy. The Royal British Legion simply asks people to give what they can afford.
Every donation helps the charity continue its work supporting the Armed Forces community.
You don't have to buy a physical poppy to make a difference either. You can make a donation directly through the Royal British Legion website.
How to make your own poppy at home
Looking for a lovely Remembrance activity to do with the children? Making your own poppies at home is a simple craft activity and a great way to help younger children understand the meaning behind Remembrance Day.
You could make a single poppy to wear, create a collection to display in your window or garden, or make a beautiful poppy wreath to place at home.
Here are a few easy ideas:
Paper poppies
A simple activity for younger children.
You'll need:
Red paper or card
Black paper or card
Scissors
Glue
A pencil
How to make them:
Draw four or five simple petal shapes onto red paper.
Carefully cut out the petals.
Arrange the petals in a circle, overlapping them slightly, and glue them together.
Cut out a small black circle for the centre of the poppy.
Glue the black circle into the middle.
Add a green paper stem or leaf if you wish.
You can make several poppies and arrange them into a wreath, create a window display or use them to decorate a remembrance-themed craft project.
Cupcake case poppies
This is another easy idea, particularly for little ones who enjoy getting creative!
You'll need:
Red cupcake cases
Black card or paper
Green card
Glue
Scissors
Simply flatten the cupcake cases and arrange them to create flower petals. Add a black circle in the middle and a green paper stem to finish.
Knitted or crochet poppies
If you enjoy knitting or crochet, why not make a more long-lasting poppy?
There are lots of patterns available online, including beginner-friendly designs. The Royal British Legion also has information about its annual poppy crafting activities and how to get involved.
Visit the Royal British Legion's poppy crafting page for patterns and information.
A little reminder: Homemade poppies are a lovely way to get creative and show your support for Remembrance. If you'd also like to raise money for the Royal British Legion, make sure you use its official fundraising guidance and donation channels.
Why do we wear a red poppy for Remembrance Day?
The red poppy has become an internationally recognised symbol of remembrance, particularly in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
The association dates back to the First World War, when poppies began growing across the battlefields of the Western Front. The flowers became a symbol of the lives lost during the conflict and the hope of a peaceful future.
Today, wearing a poppy is a personal way to remember those who have served and sacrificed their lives in conflicts past and present.
The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal also helps provide vital support to serving and ex-serving members of the Armed Forces community and their families.
You can find out more about the history of the poppy and the work of the charity on the Royal British Legion website.
What is the difference between Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday?
Although the two occasions are closely connected, they are marked on different dates.
Remembrance Day (11th November)
Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is held every year on 11th November. It marks the anniversary of the end of fighting in the First World War in 1918.
At 11am, a two-minute silence is observed across the country.
Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday takes place on the second Sunday in November. It is a national day of remembrance, with services and parades held at war memorials, churches and other public places.
The two-minute silence is also observed at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.
Both occasions give us an opportunity to remember the men and women who have lost their lives in war and conflict, as well as honouring the service and sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
Remembrance in Coventry – A City of Peace and Reconciliation
Coventry has a particularly significant connection to peace and reconciliation.
Following the devastating bombing of Coventry during the Second World War, the city became internationally recognised for its work promoting peace, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Today, this legacy continues through the annual Coventry Peace Festival, which brings together local communities, organisations and visitors to celebrate friendship, understanding and peaceful relationships.
November is an important time for the city to reflect on its past while looking towards a more peaceful future.
Alongside the annual remembrance services, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about Coventry's history and visit some of its important memorial sites.
You can also discover more local events and activities taking place at War Memorial Park.
More things to do in Coventry this November
If you're looking for more things to do in Coventry, there are plenty of events, activities and places to explore throughout November.
From family-friendly activities and local events to parks, walks, exhibitions and community celebrations, there's something for everyone.
Take a look at our other local guides:
We hope this guide helps you find a way to mark Remembrance Day in Coventry this November.
Whether you attend a local service, observe the two-minute silence, wear a poppy or simply take a moment to reflect, we will remember them.
Lest we forget.
For more ideas and inspiration, visit Coventry Rocks to discover the best things to do in Coventry and the surrounding area.
