Residents planning to mark Remembrance Sunday on the Isle of Wight will be able to join the County Remembrance Service in Newport on Sunday 8 November 2026. The Isle of Wight Council has published the main arrangements for the service, including when people should gather and the route of the parade through the town.

The event is being organised by the council’s Civic Office in collaboration with the Royal British Legion’s Newport and Carisbrooke Branch and Newport Minster. Members of the public are invited to attend and pay their respects.

Newport Remembrance Sunday 2026: key timings

The published programme begins at Newport Minster before moving to the war memorial in St Thomas’ Square.

  • 10am: Church service at Newport Minster.
  • Around 10.30am: The church service is expected to conclude.
  • 10.25am: People who are not attending the church service are invited to gather at the war memorial in St Thomas’ Square.
  • 10.45am: The outdoor County Remembrance ceremony is due to begin.

The council says the ceremony will include the traditional Exhortation, the Last Post and a two-minute silence, followed by the Kohima Epitaph and the laying of wreaths. The full order of service will be available on the day, so visitors should use the council’s latest announcement for any further programme details.

Where will the parade go?

After the ceremony, the marching parade will leave St Thomas’ Square and proceed along Newport High Street. It will continue to St James’ Square, travel along Pyle Street and return to St Thomas’ Square.

The Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight is expected to take the salute as the parade passes the war memorial on its return. The service will bring together civic representatives and members of the Island’s Armed Forces community, including veterans, cadets and reservists.

What should visitors plan before setting off?

Allow time to reach the town centre

If you intend to watch the outdoor ceremony, the council’s suggested gathering time is 10.25am at the war memorial. Allow extra time to find a suitable place to stand and to reach the square. The published announcement does not set out a detailed traffic or parking plan, so check current local travel information before making your journey.

Be considerate during the service

Remembrance events are formal occasions. Visitors should follow directions from parade marshals and event stewards, keep the parade route clear and observe the two-minute silence respectfully. If you are attending with children, explaining the purpose of the ceremony beforehand can help them understand what is happening.

Anyone wishing to lay a wreath

The council says people who wish to lay a wreath should arrive early and make themselves known to the Parade Marshal. Do not assume that a wreath can be added at any point during the ceremony; follow the arrangements given by the organisers on the day.

Why the Island service matters

The Newport ceremony is intended to bring together people with different connections to military service and remembrance. The programme includes contributions from an Island cadet and a serving reservist, reflecting both the Island’s military history and the people who continue to serve.

For residents who cannot attend in Newport, local towns and villages may also hold their own acts of remembrance. Check directly with your town or parish council, local Royal British Legion branch or community organisation for confirmed arrangements rather than relying on an old event listing.

Where to check for updates

The Isle of Wight Council’s official Remembrance Sunday announcement is the main source for the Newport programme and parade route. Residents can also use our guide to finding reliable local information and community updates when checking other Island events.

As with any public event, arrangements can change. Check the council’s website close to the date for any further notices about the service.

Sources and image credit

Information in this article is based on the Isle of Wight Council’s event announcement, published on 29 October 2026. Featured image: Alan Ko via Unsplash.