City to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday

City to Mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday

Published: Thursday, 6 November 2025

Oxford will unite on Tuesday, 11 November, to commemorate Armistice Day—the moment in 1918 when the guns of the First World War fell silent after four years of conflict.

Armistice Day Ceremony at Oxford Town Hall

The Lord Mayor will host a ceremony and short service beginning at 10:55 a.m. on the landing area at the top of the stairs in Oxford Town Hall. The event will be led by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Louise Upton, with a brief prayer by the City Rector, the Reverend Anthony Buckley. A two-minute silence will be observed at 11 a.m.

“Armistice Day commemorates the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, France, at 5 a.m. on 11 November 1918.”

Six hours later, at 11 a.m., hostilities ceased, marking the end of years of devastating war. Since 1919, the country has paused on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to honour those who gave their lives in service.

The two-minute silence was instituted by King George V, inspired by Australian journalist and veteran Edward George Honey, who originally proposed a national moment of reflection.

Remembrance Sunday Events

Oxford will also observe Remembrance Sunday on 9 November, featuring a parade and service at the War Memorial on St Giles. The parade will form up on Magdalen Street East and West from 10 a.m., led by WO1 James Massey of the Mercian Regiment, serving as Regimental Sergeant Major for the event.

Author’s Summary

Oxford will honour Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday with ceremonies, prayers, and a citywide gathering to remember those who sacrificed their lives for peace.

Oxford City Council — 2025-11-06