Remembrance Sunday took to the big screen in Shipston this weekend.
A giant screen was installed in the Cotswolds village to make sure more people than ever could watch the service that took place in St Edmund’s Church.
The screen was hired by the Town Council and was Installed above Lloyd’s Bank in High Street, close to where the parade started its procession.
Councillor Ian Cooper, Shipston’s mayor, thought the big screen was a great addition to the service and meant turnout was a lot higher than in previous years.
He said: “We were so happy with what the screen brought to our Remembrance Sunday service this year.
“Turnout in Shipston is usually very good for Remembrance Sunday, but in the past we often had people hanging around outside St Edmund’s as they weren’t able to get inside. They had no way of knowing what was happening or when the service would finish.
“The big screen changed all that. It allowed residents to pay their respects in a much more inclusive way than what was possible before."
Funding was provided through the Welcome Back Fund, managed by Shakespeare’s England on behalf of Stratford District Council.
The service was also available to watch online with viewers tuning in from as far away as Kent.
Glyn Slade, Welcome Back Event Manager from Shakespeare’s England, said: “Projects are supposed to attract people back onto the High Street, which is exactly what Shipston’s big screen did.
“It was fantastic to see so many people come out to watch the service on the screen and pay their respects to the fallen.”
The day also coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion and the first ever Poppy Day.
Mike Wells, chairman of the Shipston branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “Anyone wishing to quietly reflect during Remembrance Sunday should be able to do so, and the big screen allowed more people than ever in Shipston to watch the service.
“St Edmund’s is a lovely church, but its size means we cannot fit everyone in. Having the big screen allowed more people than ever before to view the service. It was a great addition to the day.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here