Support Congleton’s Poppy Appeal

The Congleton Branch of the Royal British Legion is encouraging residents, businesses and community organisations to support the 2026 Poppy Appeal and help ensure that the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community are never forgotten.

Residents can show their support by visiting the Royal British Legion stall at Congleton Makers Market on Saturday 31 October, where official poppy merchandise will be available to purchase.

The appeal leads into Congleton’s annual Remembrance Service on Sunday 8 November, organised by Congleton Town Council and the Congleton Branch of the Royal British Legion. The parade will assemble at West Street Car Park from 10am and depart at 10.30am, arriving at the Cenotaph on Lawton Street at approximately 10.50am for the outdoor service and wreath-laying ceremony.

Wreaths will be laid at the statue of Treo, Congleton’s war dog memorial, honouring Treo and all animals who have served alongside the Armed Forces.

To enquire about wreaths, place an order or find out more about the appeal, email: 

congletonpoppyappeal2026@gmail.com

...or follow Congleton Poppy Appeal 2026 on Facebook and Instagram.

The Mayor of Congleton, Councillor Suzy Firkin, said:

“The Poppy Appeal provides a valuable opportunity for us all to show our gratitude and support for the Armed Forces community. Whether by volunteering, purchasing a poppy or displaying a wreath, every contribution helps keep remembrance alive. I encourage residents, businesses and organisations to support Congleton’s appeal and join our community in honouring those who have served and sacrificed so much.”

Visitors are welcome to explore Congleton’s historic links with the Netherlands at a free public exhibition hosted by The Darji Expression at Congleton Town Hall on Saturday 7 November from 2.30pm-7.30pm and Sunday 8 November, from 9.30am-2pm. Featuring Ramesh Darji’s Dutch and English period paintings, including his celebrated poppy paintings, the exhibition offers an opportunity to discover more about this important connection.

Congleton Town Council is also keen to hear from local families with connections to the Prinses Irene Brigade, which was based in the town during the Second World War. If you had a relative who served with the Dutch regiment, please get in touch with the Town Council to share your family’s story and help keep this important part of Congleton’s history alive.

Members of the public are advised to allow extra time for their journey on Remembrance Sunday due to road closures. Those using Back Street Car Park are advised to arrive by 10.30am at the latest. Cheshire East Council’s Sunday parking charges apply.

For more information contact Congleton Information Centre on:

01260 270 350 ext 1

...or email:

info@congleton-tc.gov.uk

• Poppy Appeal Stall: Congleton Makers Market, Saturday 31 October

• Remembrance Sunday Parade: Assembles at West Street Car Park from 10am, departs at 10.30am

• Remembrance Sunday Service: Cenotaph, Lawton Street, starts approximately 10.50am

• The Order of Service is available to download via: Congleton-Remembrance-2026-Order-of-Service.pdf

• Free exhibition: Saturday 7 November (2.30pm-7.30pm) and Sunday 8 November (9.30am-2pm. Congleton Town Hall

• Armistice Day Service: Wednesday 11 November at 10.50am, Cenotaph, Lawton Street.

• Congleton Town Hall will be illuminated with poppies from Thursday 5 to Thursday 12 November, from 6pm.

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