For the first time, poppies will be sold on behalf of the RBL at libraries city-wide
16:34, 23 Oct 2025
Remembrance Sunday will be observed on November 9(Image: InYourArea)
Poppies will be sold for the first time in libraries across Manchester after the council announced a new partnership with The Royal British Legion.
The partnership will run for three years and will be marked by a series of commemorative events taking place across the city, including Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day and other community events.
The council said the partnership aimed to recognise and honour sacrifices made by the UK’s Armed Forces. Crucially, funding will be made available for communities to hold Remembrance events as part of the partnership deal.
An application deadline has been set for October 29, with event organisers urged to apply soon. The council said there would be ‘extensive street dress’ and installation of lamppost poppies across areas of Manchester where themed events are taking place in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.
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Large poppies will be hung in key locations across the city where Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day events are taking place, as well as events and activities in parks, cemeteries and libraries, and war memorial sites.
Poppies will also be sold on behalf of the RBL at Heaton Park, Boggart Hole Clough Lakeside Cafe and Wythenshawe Park Cafe Courtyard and, for the first time, at libraries city-wide.
Remembrance Day will be marked in Manchester city centre on Sunday 9 November, with the annual commemoration event in St Peter’s Square. Funding applications can be made via the council’s website.
Ted Woolley, RBL Acting County Chairman, with councillors Bev Craig and Tommy Judge(Image: MCC)
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester always comes together to remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Armed forces throughout the year and this year I’m proud of our new partnership with the Royal British Legion. The Royal British Legion plays a vital role in honouring and supporting our Armed Forces community and are proud to stand alongside the Legion in partnership to recognise the sacrifices made by veterans and service personnel.
“Their work preserves the memory of those who served and ensures practical support reaches those who need it most. We know that Manchester people are proud of the city’s heritage and we are committed to continuing our partnership – not just on Remembrance Sunday, but all year round.
“This year we are going even further to get local communities involved in Remembrance by launching a new fund for local projects across the city.
“Alongside our cenotaphs, cemeteries and civic buildings we are launching our call for communities that want poppies displayed in their communities to get in touch and join us. This is one example of Manchester coming together to celebrate our shared history and strengthening bonds for the future.”
Ted Woolley, Acting County Chairman of the Royal British Legion, said: “This year we’ve rightly celebrated two significant anniversaries; Victory in Europe Day (VE) and Victory over Japan Day (VJ). Although these events occurred 80 years ago the sacrifices made by our parents, grandparents and great grandparents should never be forgotten.
“We also need to look at the wars and conflicts we’ve been involved in since then and we shouldn’t forget those that made the ultimate sacrifice. So, although Remembrance is often seen as just a day in November it is so much more to individual families as they remember their loved ones lost in conflict.”
