Thursday marked the official start of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Every year at this time, the Mayor of Bolton receives a poppy to be worn on the mayoral chain.
This year, the current Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, received the poppy from Alexander Shaw, former Royal Navy submariner who served on HMS Astute.
Also present was Cllr Andy Morgan, Bolton Council’s Armed Forces Champion and a veteran who served in the Army Air Corps.
A spokesman for Bolton Council said: “Bolton Council has signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant and is proud to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Campaign, veterans and serving members of the armed forces.”
The annual Concert of Remembrance, featuring Bolton’s own Lancashire Artillery (v) Band, will be held in the Albert Halls at 7pm on Thursday, November 10.
Doors will open at 6.15pm with an anticipated finish of 10pm. Tickets are £7.50 and available at octagonbolton.co.uk or by calling 01204 520 611.
The Vicar of Bolton, Rev Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle, will conduct the act of remembrance as part of the evening, which will also feature other musical performances from local artists.
All proceeds from the concert will be donated to Bolton’s three Cadet Forces.
The following day, November 11, the Armistice Day service will be held in Victoria Square and will be led by the Vicar of Bolton.
The public are invited to gather at 10.50am for the service which will include a two-minute silence and maroon fire.
A Remembrance Sunday service will also be held in Victoria Square on November 13 at 10.40am.
The Vicar will again lead a service that will feature a two-minute silence, live gun fire and a wreath laying ceremony.
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said: “The annual Remembrance Concert is always an entertaining and moving evening, and a great opportunity to pay our respects while also supporting local causes.
“Every year, we come together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, as well as those impacted by current conflicts around the world.
“Bolton is proud of its links to the armed forces and I’m sure many of you will join us for the concert and for the remembrance services in Victoria Square.”
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