Newtown's Remembrance Sunday to be live-streamed

Newtown's Remembrance Sunday service will be live-streamed to help as many people see it as possible during the Welsh Government's coronavirus lockdown.

Newtown town councillors were told last night that the annual commemoration would take place this year on Sunday, 8 November, but would be limited in numbers due to the restrictions.

The service normally involves a parade, wreath laying at the Cenotaph, and a church service.

Town Clerk, Ed Humphreys, said he had spoken with Newtown Royal British Legion, Newtown Police and others and the occasion would be limited to meeting at the Cenotaph where a short service will take place, including wreath laying by local members of the RBL, politicians and councillors.

Remembrance Sunday events have been given special permission to take place during lockdown, but numbers have to be limited to 30 people.

Mr Humphreys said they hope to live-stream the event online so as many people could attend virtually under the circumstances.

Cllr Richard White said he was concerned about the number of people who might want to attend outside the memorial gardens at the Cenotaph and could be breaching social distancing.

Mr Humphreys said the event itself would meet the relevant criteria. He added that the police would close all the roads around the Cenotaph during the period around the two minutes silence at 11am on 8 November.

The annual event for Armistice Day on 11 November will take place as normal at the Cenotaph as it  takes place outside the lockdown restrictions.