REMEMBRANCE Day events in Conwy and Llandudno Junction will not be held this year because of Covid 19 restrictions.

In a week when the Welsh Government announced a 17 day firebreak, Conwy Town Council stated the Remembrance Sunday events would not go ahead for what is believed the first time ever.

Normally the Town Council works with the Royal British Legion to organise the events but has stated the Covid-19 pandemic makes it impossible to hold these events safely this year.

The Mayor of Conwy and Constable of the Castle, cllr Emma Leighton-Jones, said: “After careful consideration and much thought, we have made the incredibly sad decision that we cannot run our Remembrance Events at the Memorial in Conwy nor the Memorial Hall in Llandudno Junction.

“In line with national advice we cannot safely hold any parades or official services of Remembrance Sunday. Instead, we are encouraging residents and veterans to pay their respects at home, by observing the national two-minute silence and following special Town Council videos and pictures on social media.

“As many will know, in recent years the Remembrance Parade, Act of Remembrance at the Memorial and church service have grown in numbers and we have seen a wonderful turnout. This year due to regulations in place we need to avoid a mass gathering and keep our community safe.”

“This year will be very different but the Town Council does intend to hang a banner outside of the Guildhall in Conwy to commemorate the fallen and will ensure that a donation will be made to Royal British Legion that reflects the money which would otherwise have been spent on Remembrance Day activities.”

Richard Kendrick, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal Coordinator for North Wales, who also organises the Rhyl Remembrance Parade, said: “It is very important we remember the servicemen and women who haven’t returned. Every town can hold an event and service. We should never forget what our fallen servicemen and women have given us.

“Perhaps the local church could organise something simple at the Memorial. I can send them recordings of the Last Post, Reveille and the Exhortation.”

A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion said: “While it is deeply disappointing that Remembrance events in Conway will not take place this year, we understand that the decision has been taken to protect the health and well being of all involved. The public can all still play a part in ensuring Remembrance Sunday is appropriately marked and the Royal British Legion are encouraging people to participate in their own personal moment of Remembrance, whether that be watching the National Service of Remembrance on television or pausing for the Two Minute Silence at home or on their doorsteps.

“We would also like to thank Conway Town Council for their generous intention to make a donation to the Royal British Legion. This will go towards the Legion’s vital welfare work supporting the Armed Forces community, past and present.”