Giant poppy to be projected on Clitheroe Castle to remember the fallen

The projection, on the castle keep, starts on Monday, November 2nd, and will continue until sunrise on Thursday, November 12th.

Public gatherings and community events, including the Prophet Muhammad's birth date, Hallowe’en, Bonfire Night, Remembrance Sunday, Diwali, Hanukkah and the switch-on of Christmas lights, are restricted this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But the poppy will be visible from miles around Clitheroe, particularly to the North of the town, enabling people to remember the fallen in a socially-distanced way.

Ribble Valley Mayor Stella Brunskill, said: “We know these community events are important, particularly Remembrance Day, but the borough continues to experience a rapid increase in coronavirus cases and is vital that we avoid putting ourselves and others at risk.

“Once again, we will be projecting a huge poppy on the side of the Clitheroe Castle Keep, allowing people to acknowledge the fallen safely and in their own time.

“I would like to thank council officers involved in the poppy projection for producing such an impressive and moving spectacle that everyone will be able to enjoy safely.”

Ribble Valley and the rest of Lancashire has moved into the Tier 3 "very high" coronavirus alert level, meaning there are now significant restrictions on people and businesses across the county.

Families are asked not to "trick or treat", due to the increased risk of household coronavirus transmission, and all organised bonfire displays have been cancelled.

But the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is hosting a "virtual Bonfire Night" on Thursday, November 5th. The event, which includes a bonfire, fireworks display and bedtime story, will be streamed live from 6-30pm on the service’s Facebook page.

Further details about restrictions on public gatherings and community events are available at gov.uk.