Civic ceremonies
The Mayor attends and often lead events that are important for the whole of Thurrock, or where a ceremony takes place.
Important events involving the Mayor, and the month they take place, are listed below.
Annual Council in May
The 'Mayor-Making' Ceremony is held in May each year at a full meeting of Council – called 'Annual Council'. This ceremony is where the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor are appointed and receive their chains of office.
This meeting is also where councillors are appointed to various committees.
Armed Forces Day in June
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. It takes place in June each year.
To mark this occasion, a flag-raising ceremony is held outside the council's Civic Offices in New Road, Grays.
Remembrance Sunday in November
Remembrance Sunday falls on the second Sunday in November each year. It is a day for the nation to remember and honour all those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom. Remembrance events are held in towns and villages across Thurrock each year.
In Thurrock, it is traditional for the Mayor to attend the War Memorial in Grays. A civic procession to the War Memorial is led by the Mayor and other dignitaries.
Armistice Day on 11 November
Armistice Day marks the end of the First World War. It falls on 11 November each year.
The Mayor attends the War Memorial in Grays to observe the traditional 2-minute silence on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in which we remember those who lost their lives in past and present conflicts.
Holocaust Memorial Day in January
Holocaust Memorial Day is an international day dedicated to the remembrance of those who suffered in The Holocaust during the 1930s and 1940s, and in subsequent genocides.
The Holocaust Memorial Day remembrance event in Thurrock is introduced by the Mayor, who then makes the Statement of Commitment on behalf of Thurrock Council. The Mayor is the first signatory in the Memorial Book.
Commonwealth Day in March
Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to promote understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of the Commonwealth's organisations, which aim to improve the lives of its citizens.
Since 2014, local authorities and civic dignitaries, community groups and charities throughout the British Isles have taken part in flag-raising events and ceremonies to mark Commonwealth Day. The Commonwealth's flag is raised outside the council's Civic Offices in New Road, Grays.
St George's Day Service in April
The St George's Day Service has become an annual event in Thurrock. The service takes place a church chosen by the Mayor, and is conducted by the Mayor's Chaplain.
Invitations are sent to ex-service organisations, other boroughs, councillors, council directors and other guests of the Mayor.
Charity Dinner, usually in April
Charity Dinners are hosted by the Mayor, usually in April. Attendance is by invitation only.
Invitations are sent to the Mayors of other boroughs, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, councillors from all parties, and other local dignitaries.
Further information
For more information on any of the events listed above, contact the Mayor's Office.