City to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday
Published: Thursday, 6 November 2025
Commemoration of Armistice Day in Oxford
On Tuesday, 11 November, Oxford will unite to honour Armistice Day, remembering the moment in 1918 when the First World War guns fell silent. The Lord Mayor, Councillor Louise Upton, will lead a ceremony and brief service at 10:55 a.m. on the landing at the top of the stairs in Oxford Town Hall.
The City Rector, Reverend Anthony Buckley, will offer a short prayer. The city will observe a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. to mark the exact time the fighting ended after four years of war.
Historical Background
Armistice Day commemorates the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany, which took place at 5 a.m. on 11 November 1918, in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, France. Fighting ceased six hours later at 11 a.m., ending a devastating four-year conflict.
Since 1919, the nation has paused for two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. on the 11th of November to remember those who sacrificed their lives. This silence was introduced by King George V, inspired by Australian journalist and veteran Edward George Honey, who first suggested a national moment of reflection.
Remembrance Sunday Events
Oxford will also observe Remembrance Sunday on 9 November with a parade and service at the War Memorial on St Giles. The parade will assemble on Magdalen Street East and West, beginning at 10 a.m., led by WO1 James Massey from the Mercian Regiment, who will serve as the Regimental Sergeant Major for the day.
Armistice Day commemorates the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, France, at 5am on 11 November 1918. Six hours later, at 11am, the fighting ceased after four years of devastating conflict.
Since 1919, the nation has paused for a two-minute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month to remember those who lost their lives in service to their country.
The silence was introduced by King George V, inspired by Australian journalist and veteran Edward George Honey, who first proposed the idea of a period of national reflection.
The parade will assemble in Magdalen Street East and West and march on from 10am, under the direction of the RSM on the day, WO1 James Massey from the Mercian Regiment.
Oxford's Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday ceremonies respectfully honor the sacrifices of those who served and the historic end to the First World War.
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