Remembrance and recognition

Annual civic commemorations

Each year, Derby proudly marks several national and local remembrance occasions, co-ordinated by the Civic Office in partnership with Derby LIVE, Derby Cathedral, the Royal British

Legion, the Lord-Lieutenant’s Office, and a wide range of veteran, cadet, and community organisations.

These events play a vital role in honouring the service and sacrifice of those who have served in our armed forces, while bringing together residents of all ages and backgrounds in a shared act of remembrance and gratitude.

Key annual events include:

• Remembrance Sunday – The commemoration includes a large-scale public parade through the city centre, a civic service at Derby Cathedral, and a formal wreath-laying ceremony at the Derby War Memorial in the Market Place. The 2025 Remembrance Sunday commemorations will take place on Sunday 9 November.
• Armistice Day (11 November) – A short, reflective ceremony held at the War Memorial at 11am, including the two-minute silence and the laying of wreaths.
• Armed Forces Day (June) – A nationally recognised event celebrating the contribution of servicemen and women, both past and present. In Derby, the Civic Office hosts a veterans’ coffee morning, offering a chance to meet civic leaders, share stories, and build connections in a relaxed and respectful setting.
• Reserves Day (late June) – An important opportunity to highlight the dedication of our local reservists. The day is recognised across Council services through internal and external communications, staff stories, and messages of thanks, reaffirming our ongoing support for those who serve part-time alongside their civilian lives.

Taking part in Remembrance Sunday

Local veteran organisations, uniformed groups, community associations, and individuals are invited to participate in Derby’s Remembrance Sunday parade and service.

To register interest or request further details, please email the Civic Office at civic.support@derby.gov.uk.

We encourage local communities, schools, or organisations to organise their own remembrance events - such as a local parade, wreath-laying, or street service involving a temporary road closure.

For advice on permissions, traffic management, or safety measures, email the Space Hire team at space.hire@derby.gov.uk.

The Council is committed to making all remembrance events accessible to everyone. Services are held in step-free locations, and assistance can be arranged upon request. If you require support to attend or take part, email civic.support@derby.gov.uk.

Working with schools and young people

Passing on the importance of remembrance to the next generation is a key part of Derby’s civic commitment. The Civic Office actively engages with schools and youth organisations to ensure young people can contribute meaningfully to remembrance events.

This might include:

• writing and reading poems during public services
• creating artwork for display at civic receptions
• visiting memorials or attending remembrance events
• meeting veterans and hearing their stories.

If your school or youth group would like to be involved, email the Civic Office at civic.support@derby.gov.uk.

Mayor's Cadets

Each year, the Council appoints Mayor’s Cadets from local Sea, Army, Air, and Royal Marines cadet groups. The cadets support the Mayor at key civic events, such as Remembrance Sunday, Armed Forces Day, and other formal ceremonies.

The investiture of the Mayor’s Cadets takes place during the Armed Forces Day veterans’ coffee morning, providing a meaningful and respectful setting to welcome them into their civic role in the presence of veterans, civic guests, and community members.

Our cadets, along with their Commanding Officers, also attend the annual Mayor Making ceremony, a formal event marking the start of the new civic year.

In addition, Commanding Officers from the Mercian Regiment, HMS Ambush, and 148 Divisional Support Company REME are invited to attend Mayor Making.

Mayor’s Cadets not only represent their detachments with pride, but also gain valuable experience of civic responsibility, public service, and community engagement throughout their year of service.

If you are a cadet leader and wish to nominate a young person, email the Civic Office at civic.support@derby.gov.uk.

To find out more about joining a local cadet group, visit:

• Derbyshire Army Cadet Force
• Derby Air Force Cadets
• Derbyshire Sea Cadets
• Royal Marine Cadets

Civic military partnerships

Derby City Council is proud to maintain longstanding and meaningful civic affiliations with several distinguished military units, reflecting the city’s deep respect for the armed forces and its commitment to fostering strong civil-military relationships:

The Mercian Regiment

The Mercian Regiment, known as “The Heart of England’s Infantry”, is Derby’s affiliated infantry regiment and holds the rare and prestigious honour of being granted the Freedom of the City of Derby. This ceremonial distinction, one of the highest accolades a city can bestow, recognises the regiment’s exceptional service, sacrifice, and historic ties with the community.

The regiment is regularly represented at civic commemorations, including Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, and exercises its Freedom of the City rights through ceremonial parades, proudly marching through Derby as a symbol of unity and mutual respect.

HMS Ambush

HMS Ambush, a state-of-the-art Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine, proudly bears Derby’s name as an affiliated vessel of the Royal Navy. This affiliation reflects not only civic pride but also a unique industrial and engineering connection: the vessel is powered by a nuclear propulsion system designed and built by Rolls-Royce in Derby.

Since 2002 the Royal Navy Submarine Service has held Freedom of the City of Derby, and the Council maintains regular contact with the Commanding Officer and crew of HMS Ambush and has hosted civic receptions to celebrate the vessel’s achievements. This partnership underscores Derby’s strong connection to the Royal Navy and its ongoing support for those serving at sea.

148 Divisional Support Company, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME)

148 Divisional Support Company, REME, is a locally based Army Reserve unit and an important part of Derby’s military and civic landscape. Specialising in technical and mechanical engineering support to the British Army, the company plays a visible and valued role in the life of the city. Its members regularly participate in community engagement and ceremonial duties, representing the professionalism and commitment of Army reservists.

The Council works closely with REME 148 Company to support and recognise their service, including through formal civic events and by proudly leading the city’s Remembrance Sunday parade.