Manchester communities are being invited to apply for grants to host their own Remembrance events through the city’s ongoing partnership with the Royal British Legion (RBL).
The grants, worth up to £400 each, will support local groups, organisations and residents who want to deliver community-based events and activities around Remembrance Sunday (8 November) and Armistice Day (11 November).
The funding forms part of Manchester City Council's commitment to building on the success of last year's citywide remembrance programme, which saw community grants awarded to support local activities including remembrance services, coffee mornings, poppy planting, craft sessions, fundraising events and community displays.
Across Ummah CIC, one of the organisations that received the community grant funding, brought residents from diverse backgrounds together through a creativity-led event for Armistice Day. The Gorton based event was about promoting unity, inclusion, celebrating our shared gratitude and encouraging the community to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.
Idowu Morafa, the Director of Across Ummah CIC, said:
The event created a welcoming space, featuring arts and crafts activities, giving people an opportunity to express themselves, with some participants creating their own red poppies. It was also a chance to reflect on the legacy we are creating for future generations and to demonstrate that, despite our different backgrounds, we have so much in common for unity, peace and cohesion than division.
The community grants launch coincides with the start of the 2026 Poppy Appeal, which will be officially launched on 22 October. The Council and Royal British Legion will once again work together to encourage residents across Manchester to take part in remembrance activities, support the Poppy Appeal and celebrate the contribution of the Armed Forces community.
The community grants are one of the commitments delivered through the Council's three-year partnership agreement with the RBL. The 2026 programme’s roll out will be like last year’s campaign, combining major civic commemorations at the Cenotaph in St Peter's Square with community driven, family-friendly activities to reflect and pay tributes across the city.
Applications for community grants are open now till 4pm on Monday 19 October at Armistice Day.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
Remembrance Sunday is an important opportunity for communities to come together to honour those who have served and sacrificed, while also recognising the contribution that veterans and Armed Forces families continue to make to our city.
Last year's community grant programme showed the commitment across Manchester for local remembrance activities, with residents and organisations creating meaningful events that brought people together and strengthened community pride. We are delighted to launch this year's funding again to amplify this impact and message.
Scott Pringle, Poppy Appeal Manager Greater Manchester said:
Wearing a poppy helps to connect society over the Remembrance period and reminds us of our shared history and importance of modern-day service. From risking their lives in war zones, providing support during emergencies and humanitarian disasters, and spending time away from their families, we owe those who serve in the Armed Forces our gratitude.
