A giant poppy is to be projected on the front of Ely Cathedral as part of the commemorations for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day this year.
The installation will be lit from 6.00pm on Sunday 08 November through to Armistice Day evening, Wednesday 11 November.
The Dean of Ely, the Very Revd Mark Bonney said “Despite having to be closed for worship at such a significant time, we hope this will be a beacon of light within the community to remind everyone of those who gave their lives, and continue to do so, in times of conflict and war “.
In addition Ely Cathedral will be livestreaming their service of thanksgiving for Remembrance Sunday on Sunday 8 November at 10.30am. In line with the new government restrictions, the service will be held without a congregation but in the presence of Cathedral clergy, the choir, liturgical staff, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Chris Parkhouse and the High Sheriff, Brigadier Tim Seal.
The Bishop of Huntingdon, the Rt Revd Dr Dagmar Winter, will preach at the Service, which will include the traditional act of commemoration and the two minutes silence. Only those required for the service will be permitted inside the cathedral on the day.
Canon Jim Garrard, Canon Precentor at Ely said, ‘Like everyone else, we have had to quickly revise our plans. We have very strong connections with the Armed Forces in this area and it is important we do our very best to enable everyone within our community to commemorate such a significant event in our history and give thanks to the sacrifices of so many”.
Directly following the service, members of the Cathedral clergy including the Dean of Ely, and a bugler will join those gathered at the War Memorial in Ely for prayers and the Last Post.
On the same day at 4pm, a special Evensong will be broadcast live from Cathedral. The music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir.
For information and details of how to access the live stream services, please visit https://www.elycathedral.org/public-worship/live-streamed-services-concerts​
Image – Ely Cathedral Credit Andrew Sharpe