Remembrance 2018: Piper starts commemorations in Sudbury with Battle’s O’er

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. Sudbury Mayor Sue Ayres PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

This year marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and the town came together to commemorate the special occasion with a parade and services.

Sudbury received national attention this year for its stunning cascade of more than 23,000 handcrafted poppies – which were hung from St Peter’s in the town.

This followed a nine-month town council campaign for people to get involved by knitting and crocheting the poppies to be attached to a cargo net at the church. Hundreds of people lined the streets of the town to watch the afternoon parade, which started from the north side of Market Hill at 2pm, and was led by Colchester Pipes and Drums.

The parade then marched to St Gregory’s Church for a service.

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

A marquee was positioned on The Croft to accommodate people not able to get into the church.

Following the church service, wreaths were laid at the British and American memorials before the parade marched back to Market Hill.

After the salute, refreshments were served in the town hall.

In the evening, as part of the Battle’s Over national tribute, people gathered at 7pm to hear the Last Post and see the lighting of the beacon on The Croft.

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk Judith Shallow PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

To end the commemoration, church bells rang out following the ceremony in celebration of peace.

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. Sudbury Mayor Sue Ayres PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Piper Tricia Drawbridge with Sudbury mayor Sue Ayres Picture: ANDREW LONGHURST (Image: A.Longhurst)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Gathering at the War Memorial by St Gregory's Parish Church in Sudbury for the Remembrance Day wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: Andy Abbott (Image: Archant)