Wales falls silent with Remembrance Sunday services

Wales fell silent as services were held across the country to mark Remembrance Sunday.

A national remembrance service commemorated those who lost their lives in conflict in Cardiff, with communities across Wales also paying their own tributes.

A military parade was held en route to the ceremony at the Welsh National War Memorial in Cathays Park, with commemorations in Gwynedd, Wrexham, Powys and Swansea, among others.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "The national service is an opportunity for us to remember those who have lost their lives defending our freedom and way of life. We owe our armed forces and veterans an immense debt of gratitude."

An estimated 1,500 people attended a service on the promenade at Llandudno's cenotaph, Conwy county, following a parade from Holy Trinity Church in the town centre.

The march included representatives from Anglesey's RAF Valley, the Welsh Medical Regiment and Blind Veterans UK, as well as cadets.

The two minute silence was signalled by cannon fire on the Great Orme and veterans and dignitaries laid wreaths.

Detachments from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Merchant Navy, and cadets marched past City Hall and along King Edward VII Avenue prior to the national ceremony.

They were joined by ex-service personnel and civic dignitaries at the national memorial, accompanied by Canton Salvation Army Band, Cardiff Military Wives Choir and the National St John Ambulance Cymru Choir.

A bugler from The Royal Welsh Regimental Band and Corps of Drums sounded the Last Post, followed by a gun salute from the 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, Newport, marking the start of a two-minute silence at 11:00.

In Swansea, a service was held at the cenotaph with a remembrance parade from Oxford Street to St Mary's Church at 13:50, along with others at Fforestfach, Loughor, Gorseinon, Clydach, Pontarddulais and Morriston.

South Wales Police Band led a parade through Bridgend where, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, the names of those who died from the area will be read aloud at a service at its war memorial on Dunraven Place.

"We owe our armed forces and veterans an immense debt of gratitude," says First Minister Eluned Morgan

Across Powys services were held at Newtown, Welshpool and Machynlleth, including a blessing at Montgomery County Memorial at 16:00.

Wrexham's annual service of remembrance was held at its war memorial in Bodhyfryd following a military parade through the city centre.

Elsewhere in north Wales, services took place at Caernarfon Cenotaph, Castle Square, as well as Beaumaris, Ffestiniog, Llanberis and Porthmadog.