Armistice Day 2026: Hampshire and Sussex fall silent to remember those who died in war

Communities across Hampshire and Sussex are coming together today (Wednesday 11 November) to mark Armistice Day, remembering those who lost their lives in the First World War and conflicts since.

At 11am, people across the country will observe a two-minute silence, marking exactly 108 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War in 1918.

Services of remembrance are taking place at war memorials, churches and public spaces, with veterans, serving military personnel, civic leaders and members of the public paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Armistice Day commemorates the agreement which brought fighting on the Western Front to an end at 11am on 11 November 1918.

While Remembrance Sunday was marked on 8 November this year, today's anniversary provides another opportunity to reflect on the devastating impact of war and remember those who have served their country.

Portsmouth

In Portsmouth, a special Armistice Day service takes place at the Cenotaph in Guildhall Square, beginning at 10.45am.

The ceremony includes readings and poems, followed by the traditional two-minute silence at 11am.

Residents, veterans and serving military personnel are invited to attend and pay their respects.

Portsmouth Cathedral is also observing the silence at 11am, with members of the public invited to gather in the Nave.

Southampton

Southampton is joining the nation in remembering those who lost their lives in conflict.

The city's main civic commemorations took place on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in Watts Park, attended by military personnel, veterans, civic leaders and members of the public.

The memorial remains a focal point for remembrance in the city, which played a significant role during both World Wars.

Today, residents are encouraged to take part in the national two-minute silence at 11am, wherever they may be.

Chichester

In Chichester, Armistice Day provides another opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by generations of servicemen and women.

The city's main civic Remembrance Sunday service took place at Litten Memorial Gardens, where veterans, community representatives and residents gathered to pay tribute.

Today marks the anniversary of the end of fighting in the First World War, with people encouraged to observe the national silence at 11am.

Bognor Regis

Bognor Regis is marking Armistice Day with a ceremony at the War Memorial outside the Town Hall in Clarence Road.

Representatives from the Royal Air Forces Association's Bognor Regis branch are attending the commemoration.

In nearby Aldwick, a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Millennium Garden in Pryors Lane.

Residents are invited to gather from 10.50am, with a two-minute silence observed at 11am.

The ceremonies provide an opportunity for the community to remember those who lost their lives in service and reflect on the cost of conflict.

Worthing

In Worthing, residents are gathering at the War Memorial outside the Town Hall in Chapel Road for the traditional two-minute silence at 11am.

The event follows Sunday's annual Remembrance Service and march past, when veterans, civic leaders and community organisations came together to honour the fallen.

The town's Field of Remembrance, which opened earlier this month, also provides a place for residents to reflect and pay their respects.

Littlehampton

Littlehampton is joining the national act of remembrance following the town's annual Remembrance Sunday parade and service.

Veterans, uniformed organisations and residents attended Sunday's commemorations at the War Memorial before a further service at St Mary's Church.

Today, the community is encouraged to pause at 11am to remember those who died serving their country.

Brighton and Hove

In Brighton, an Armistice Day service begins at 10.50am at the War Memorial in Old Steine Gardens.

A two-minute silence will follow at 11am, with members of the public invited to attend.

Further ceremonies take place in Hove at the War Memorial in Grand Avenue and in Rottingdean at the War Memorial on the Village Green.

Both services begin at 10.55am, ahead of the national silence.

Civic representatives and residents are taking part in the commemorations, remembering members of the Armed Forces and all those affected by war.

Eastbourne

Eastbourne is holding a special Armistice Day service at 10.40am at the War Memorial Houses in Victoria Drive.

The Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Margaret Bannister, is attending the ceremony.

The houses and memorial were funded by Eastbourne residents following the Second World War as a tribute to those killed or injured in action.

They continue to provide homes for former service personnel with medical disabilities and their families.

The service follows Eastbourne's main Remembrance Sunday commemorations, which brought together military representatives, veterans, emergency services and local residents.

Why do we observe Armistice Day?

Armistice Day marks the moment the fighting of the First World War ended on the Western Front.

The agreement between Germany and the Allies came into effect at 11am on 11 November 1918, ending more than four years of devastating conflict.

The first two-minute silence was observed in Britain in 1919, following a request from King George V.

More than a century later, the tradition continues as a national act of remembrance.

Although the anniversary is rooted in the First World War, today's commemorations also honour those who died in the Second World War and subsequent conflicts, while recognising the sacrifices made by serving personnel, veterans and their families.

At 11am today, people across the country are encouraged to pause for two minutes to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. V2 Radio will also be observing the silence, and listeners are invited to join us on air as we pay tribute to the fallen.

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