Christ Church Cathedral will be bathed in poppy red from dusk to dawn in the days leading up to and including Anzac Day, as the city pays tribute to all New Zealanders who have served their country.

The western façade of the Cathedral will glow in commemorative light throughout the period, a visual tribute to generations of servicemen and women who have sacrificed in the service of Aotearoa.

On Saturday 25 April, people of all ages will once again gather in Cathedral Square to honour the fallen and returned, continuing a tradition observed in the heart of the city for the past 110 years. This year marks the fourth time since the 2011 earthquakes that residents have been able to return to the Square beneath the Citizens War Memorial for the occasion.

Grant McMillan, president of Christchurch Memorial RSA, said the Cathedral had always been a cornerstone of remembrance in Christchurch.

“The Cathedral has always been, and will remain, a key place for remembrance in our city,” Mr McMillan said. “The Citizens War Memorial offers both locals and visitors a space to honour and reflect on the contributions of generations of service personnel, including those who sacrificed their lives for our country and to preserve the many advantages we enjoy today.”

Commemorations marking Australia and New Zealand’s Gallipoli campaign will begin at 6.15am, when veterans and serving personnel, active and retired, will assemble at Worcester Bridge before parading the short distance to Cathedral Square for the traditional dawn service.

Dean Ben Truman said the illumination reflected the Cathedral’s long role as a sanctuary for the city.

“The Cathedral has served as a place of peace, hope, prayer and sacred memory for almost 150 years,” Dean Truman said. “Lighting up the Cathedral for our ANZACs allows us to continue to support our city’s tradition upheld by generations. The symbolic lights signify remembrance and unity.”

The New Zealand Army Band will perform at the service, which will conclude with the Last Post, a minute’s silence, and the singing of the national anthem.

Mark Odlin, Partner at Buddle Findlay, said the firm was proud to be supporting the tribute once again.

“Illuminating the Cathedral in poppy red serves as a distinctive tribute to our servicemen and women,” Mr Odlin said. “Buddle Findlay is honoured to support the Anzac Day commemorations again this year.”