Hundreds of people turned out across North Wales to pay their respects to the nation's war dead and mark Armistice Day. Every year a two-minute silence is held at 11:00 GMT on November 11 to mark the end of World War One.
And today, the occasion was observed by ceremonies and services across the region, Wales and the rest of the UK. People also observed the silence in their homes and workplaces.
In Caernarfon, about 50 people gathered at the cenotaph, including civic dignitaries and members of the public, to remember those that have lost their lives in combat. An air raid siren sounded in Wrexham city centre, while an event in Newtown, Powys, was being live-streamed online, at the town's war memorial.
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Services were also being held at Denbigh War Memorial and Rhyl's Christ Church. North Wales Police tweeted: "On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we will observe a two minute silence to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom."
Today's ceremonies came amid tension in London. Counter-protesters had gathered near the Cenotaph, ahead of a pro-Palestine demonstration, which was expected to be one of the largest political marches in British history, reports PA.
A large crowd of people bearing St George’s flags was seen walking along Embankment and shouting “England till I die” shortly after 10am on Saturday. Clashes broke out as police attempted to stop them from reaching Whitehall but the group pushed through, with some shouting “let’s have them” as officers hit out with batons.
A service took place at the Cenotaph on Whitehall at 11am, which passed off peacefully, and a two-minute silence was observed. The Met Police posted on X, formerly Twitter: “While the two minutes’ silence was marked respectfully and without incident on Whitehall, officers have faced aggression from counter-protesters who are in the area in significant numbers.”
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The force added that it “will use all the powers and tactics available to us to prevent” the counter-protesters from confronting the main march. Meanwhile, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters were arriving at Hyde Park near the designated starting point for the march on Saturday morning, which is due to set off at noon.
Organisers of the demonstration calling for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel anticipate more than 500,000 people will join. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued a plea for “unity”.
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