Civic events  |  24 Apr 2019

People planning to attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Cranmer Square are being encouraged to allow extra time to get there because of the heightened security surrounding this year’s commemorations.

There will be a visible police presence at Thursday’s Dawn Service and the roads around Cranmer Square will be closed to traffic for security reasons.

Dawn service

• 6am to 6.15am: Parade participants gather outside the RSA.

• 6.15am: The parade starts.

• 6.30am: The service – centred on the memorial cenotaph – begins.

• 7.15am: The service ends.

“We have worked with the Police to put in appropriate security measures so that people can feel safe about coming together to remember those who gave their lives for their country,’’ says Christchurch City Council Civic and International Relations Manager Matt Nichols.

"If you are planning on going to the service, allow plenty of time to get to Cranmer Square, and if possible, don't bring a bag, to reduce potential delays getting into the event."

The Dawn Service will start with veterans gathering at the Christchurch home of the Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) in Armagh Street at 6.15am. From there they will march to Cranmer Square.

During the Dawn Service Mayor Lianne Dalziel, along with representatives of the armed forces and emergency services, will lay wreaths in memory of the fallen. There will also be performances by the Christchurch Liedertafel Male Voice Choir, the Selwyn Community Choir, and the New Zealand Army Band.

The service will close with The Last Post, a minute’s silence, a blessing and the national anthem.

Later in the morning, at 10am, there will be a  Citizens Service at the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square. This is organised by the Christchurch City Council, in conjunction with Christ Church Cathedral and the RSA.

Memorial crosses in Cranmer Square.

New Zealand's fallen soldiers will be remembered at an Anzac Day dawn service in Cranmer Square.