Securing Remembrance Day Ceremonies for local communities
The importance of proportionate security planning for community events such as Remembrance Day parades and services remains clear in 2026. The UK continues to face a serious and evolving terrorism threat, and the national threat picture should form part of the context when assessing event security. However, threat level alone does not determine the measures an individual event needs.
As NPSA guidance makes clear, security decisions should be risk-led, considering the threat alongside the vulnerabilities of the event, potential consequences and existing protective measures. For Remembrance events, this means understanding the specific circumstances before deciding whether additional measures, including Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM), are proportionate.
The Balancing Act: Security vs. Accessibility
Remembrance Day events draw communities together in solemn commemoration. Remembrance events vary considerably in size, location and exposure to vehicle access, so security decisions should reflect the circumstances of each event
A proportionate security risk assessment should form part of event planning, considering credible threats, vulnerabilities, existing controls and potential consequences. It’s part of the due diligence that ensures threat and vulnerability are considered so that risk can be identified and planned for.
We have a robust HVM risk assessment process, based on the experience of our counter-terrorism experts. Our HVM risk assessment methodologies enable us to analyse threat, vulnerability and risk using insight into how terrorists select a target. Where necessary, we will also carry out a detailed Threat Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (TVRA), alongside a Vehicle Dynamics Assessment (VDA) where appropriate, which will provide event organisers with an additional layer of information of how to best protect their event.
With this venue- or event-specific analysis, we can provide a tailored approach to risk mitigation, advising you on the most appropriate and proportionate HVM solutions to help you protect people and assets.
Deploying proportional HVM solutions tailored to the size and nature of these events ensures a balance between public safety and the accessibility required for community participation.
Martyn’s Law and Remembrance Events in 2026
Martyn’s Law, AKA the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, has received Royal Assent, but its requirements have not yet commenced. Organisations should continue to follow current Home Office, ProtectUK and NPSA guidance while preparing for implementation.
Importantly, not every Remembrance event will fall within the scope of Martyn’s Law. Whether the legislation applies will depend on factors including the type of premises or event and the number of people reasonably expected to be present. Where it does apply, Martyn’s Law does not automatically require HVM barriers. The focus is on reasonable and proportionate measures appropriate to the circumstances. For many events, these may centre on planning, communication, staff awareness and existing controls rather than additional physical security.
Where a vehicle-related vulnerability is identified, HVM can then be considered as part of the wider protective security approach, based on the assessed risk, not simply the size of the gathering.
For temporary events, Crowdguard has access to a range of independently tested systems, such as the Armis One and Armis Go solutions, Husson H-Stop, ATG SurfaceGuard, ARX Stopper and Highway Care RB50, which can provide robust protection without overshadowing the dignified atmosphere of these parades and services. By utilising these highly versatile, cost-effective, and non-intrusive installations, authorities can address potential threats without causing undue alarm or disruption. For a longer-term installation such as in Liverpool City Centre, we partnered with Hardstaff Barriers to provide a semi-permanent HVM solution during the Christmas Market Period.
We continued our partnership with Chevron Traffic Management to deliver safe, respectful, and secure Remembrance Day parades in Taunton and Barnsley. Working closely with Chevron TM, we implemented comprehensive Counter Terrorism Risk Management strategies as part of our commitment to safeguarding large public gatherings.
Contextual Threat Assessment
The heightened tensions linked to international conflicts have reverberated within the UK, contributing to an increased risk of lone-actor attacks or opportunistic hostile vehicle incursions. However, security planning for smaller events must remain proportionate to the actual threat level, avoiding an overreaction that could erode public confidence or deter attendance.
For events like Remembrance Sunday, local authorities/ organisers can adopt a layered approach to HVM, combining physical barriers with visible law enforcement, traffic management and community awareness initiatives. This ensures that both the symbolic and practical needs of these events are respected, fostering a sense of security without diminishing the solemnity of the occasion.
This balanced approach, paired with thoughtful deployment of proportional HVM measures, can safeguard smaller-scale events while preserving their accessibility and atmosphere. By leveraging proportionate security strategies, communities can continue to commemorate together, even amidst heightened national tensions.
At Crowdguard, we believe effective HVM starts with understanding the risk, not choosing a barrier.
Plan — We help you understand the threat, vulnerabilities and operational requirements of your event, using a TVRA and VDA where appropriate.
Provide — If additional mitigation is justified, we identify practical, proportionate measures matched to the assessed risk, operational requirements and budget.
Protect — Where physical HVM is required, our trained teams professionally deploy and quality-assure tested solutions as part of the wider event security plan.
For Remembrance events, that means nothing excessive or intrusive — just what’s appropriate for the event, the community and the assessed risk.
Planning a Remembrance event? Speak to Crowdguard for practical, specialist HVM advice based on your individual requirements.
Tel: 0161 507 3434
Email: info@crowdguard.co.uk