The Mayor received Bolton’s first poppy of 2025 at a formal presentation marking the start of the Royal British Legion’s annual appeal.
The poppy, ceremonially given to the mayor each year, will be worn at a number of upcoming events to commemorate Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
It was presented by Steve Conneely, Royal British Legion poppy appeal manager for Merseyside and West Lancashire.
Poppies have been sold and worn every year since 1921, with the money raised going towards providing support to the Armed Forces community and their families.
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, said: “I urge everyone to join me in wearing a poppy with pride this year to support the Royal British Legion.
“It is vital that we continue to honour those who serve and who have given their lives.
“We must ensure that the generations to come continue to remember. That is why I invite everyone in the borough to join me in paying their respects over the coming weeks.”
Bolton will mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War by hosting a programme of events. These include:
Thursday, 6 November: Remembrance Concert (7pm, Albert Halls)
Bolton’s popular Remembrance Concert returns, featuring a range of moving performances.
Concert tickets are £9 plus a booking fee, and can be purchased via the Albert Halls website or by calling the box office on 0161 876 1715.
All proceeds from the event will go to support Bolton’s Cadet Forces.
Sunday, 9 November: Annual Remembrance Sunday Service (10.56am, Victoria Square)
The 216 Royal Artillery will attend the Remembrance Sunday service, providing live gunfire to mark the beginning and end of the two-minute silence.
Tuesday, 11 November: Armistice Day Service (11am, Victoria Square)
The Vicar of Bolton will lead a short service of prayer from the steps of the Town Hall on Armistice Day.
Maroons will be fired to mark the two-minute silence.
Local volunteers will be organising events at war memorials across the borough.