Tickets available for Fromelles cemetery dedication ceremony
Tickets are available for members of the public who wish to attend the dedication of the new Commonwealth War Grave at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery in northern France.
The coffin is lowered into the ground whilst prayers are read during the service for the first reburial at Fromelles on 30 January 2010 [Picture: Commonwealth War Graves Commission]
The dedication of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery will take place on Monday 19 July 2010.
During the dedication an unnamed soldier will be buried. He is the last of the 250 Australian and British soldiers found at the Pheasant Wood site to be laid to rest.
Most invited guests will receive their invitations by post. In the case of the families of Australian soldiers, they will receive their tickets direct. In addition to invited guests, members of the public are welcome to attend the dedication ceremony and can apply for tickets for the event, under the following conditions:
- Tickets are free and must not be sold or used commercially.
- Unless travelling as part of a tour group, all applicants must apply individually and will be issued with a separate ticket. Tickets will be issued in the name of the applicant. Anyone who has received an invitation to the event does not need to apply for a ticket.
- Tour groups or associations may apply in bulk, as long as the application is accompanied by a list of the names of the party members.
- Tickets will allow access to the public area reserved for spectators and should be carried at all times.
- The field has a capacity for about 4,500 spectators. Plots on the field cannot be reserved.
- Spectators are permitted to bring lightweight folding seats or picnic blankets. However, umbrellas, banners or other items that may block the view of others are not to be used during the ceremony.
- The consumption of alcohol is not permitted before or during the ceremony.
- Parking areas will be available, on the outskirts of Fromelles, for those travelling to the ceremony. Access to Fromelles, and the parking areas, will be restricted to ticket holders/tour groups (other than local residents).
- The ticket will allow free use of the shuttle bus between the parking area and the village of Fromelles. There will be a short walk from the drop-off point to the cemetery and public viewing area.
- Anyone wishing to attend, including anyone who may have already registered their interest elsewhere, is requested to order their free ticket from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) by email. The email address for applications is: SPVA-Events@mod.uk
Those who do not have access to email may apply in writing to the SPVA at the following address:
Service and Veterans Support Team
Service Personnel and Veterans Agency
Room 6108
Tomlinson House
Norcross
Thornton-Cleveleys
Lancashire
FY5 3WP
As outlined above, members of tour groups should apply through their tour operator, not as individuals.
Anyone planning to attend should arrive in sufficient time to travel from the parking locations to the viewing area before the programme of events begins at 1130hrs.
The public viewing area will contain food and drink stalls where refreshments can be purchased, as well as an information stand. There will be an area for wheelchair users.
Applications for tickets will be accepted by email to SPVA from 15 May 2010, from when they will be dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications must specify the names of all those who wish to attend.