Service of Remembrance – Bungay – 2026

Rosedale in Bungay are having their Service of Remembrance on Sunday 13th December at 2.00pm at St. Mary’s Church, Bungay for what promises to be a truly memorable afternoon in one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the town.

St. Mary’s – one of Bungay’s most recognised landmarks

St Mary’s Church in Bungay is a Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th century. Although it is no longer used for regular weekly worship, it is cared for under the Churches Conservation Trust, which ensures its preservation and continued role within the community. The church is made available for a limited number of cultural and community events each year, and we are pleased to have secured it for this special concert and service.

Located in the centre of Bungay, St Mary’s is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. Its excellent acoustics mean it is particularly popular for musical performances. With a history spanning more than 800 years, we are really grateful that we are able to use it as a venue for our Service of Remembrance.

Leiston Brass Band – Outstanding musicianship

We are thrilled to announce that the Leiston Brass Band will be performing at the event. Known throughout Suffolk and Norfolk for their outstanding musicianship, the band will bring real warmth to the service.
In the summer months the band can be heard along the sea front in Aldeburgh and Southwold and in the December months you may find them in the the foyer of one of the local supermarkets playing Christmas carols to entertain the shoppers. 
In addition to the Leiston Brass Band, we are hoping to welcome at least one choir – and possibly two – to join the programme. The blend of brass and voices within the setting of St Mary’s promises to create an unforgettable experience.

You can be sure of a warm welcome

We know that attending an event like this can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you are recently bereaved or anticipating a difficult Christmas. Please know that you will be warmly welcomed, and you may find comfort in being alongside others who understand.

After the concert and service, we invite everyone to stay for refreshments. Sharing a cup of tea or coffee together provides another opportunity to connect with others – to talk, reminisce, or simply enjoy the warmth of community. For us at Rosedale, these conversations and connections are just as important as the music and the formal elements of the service.

Remembering loved ones

At its heart, this occasion is a Service of Remembrance. December can be a particularly poignant month for many, as we feel the absence of loved ones more keenly during the festive season. This service is a chance to pause, remember, and honour those we hold in our hearts.
The service will include moments of quiet reflection, prayers, and readings, interwoven with carols and music. There is also the chance to write in our Book of Remembrance, light a candle and write a message on a tag to hang on the Christmas tree.

Whether you come to remember a family member, a friend, or simply to offer support to others, you will be among a people that understands the importance of remembrance and shared compassion.

Rosedale’s help and support at Christmas

One of our core values at Rosedale is to make sure that people are supported beyond the funeral. This might be through our ‘Lonely This Christmas’ book, our online book of remembrance, memory tags, candles or information on our other services of remembrance in Attleborough, Wymondham, Diss, Harleston, Halesworth and Beccles.

Find out more about the help and support we can offer.

“In my opinion, this is one of the most special events that Rosedale organises. It’s a time where people can come together in remembrance at what can be one of the most difficult times of year”

Kath Robinson, Rosedale in Bungay