For the first time, Christ Church Cathedral will be illuminated in red to honour New Zealanders who served and died in war, ahead of Anzac Day commemorations.

From dusk to dawn throughout the week leading up to Anzac Day, the western façade of the Cathedral will glow poppy-red in a tribute to the country’s fallen service personnel.

On Friday 25 April, people of all ages will once again gather in Cathedral Square to mark Anzac Day—a tradition that has endured for more than a century.

This year marks the third time since the 2011 earthquakes that Anzac Day services have returned to Cathedral Square under the Citizens’ War Memorial.

Christchurch Memorial RSA president Jim Lilley said the move back to the heart of the city was a meaningful step.

“Since the earthquakes most of the city’s Anzac Day dawn services have been held at Cranmer Square. Coming back to Cathedral Square was another step forward in the city’s recovery following the earthquakes. The Cathedral has always and will always be, an integral part of commemoration in the city,” he said.

The dawn service will begin at 6.15am, with veterans gathering at Worcester Bridge before parading to Cathedral Square.

Dean Ben Truman said the Cathedral had always been a place of remembrance and hope.

“It’s a delight to see that continue in a new generation with these symbolic lights which represent remembrance and solidarity,” he said.

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

Buddle Findlay partner Mark Odlin said, “Illuminating the Cathedral poppy-red is a unique way to honour our servicemen and women, and the team at Buddle Findlay is proud to support the Anzac Day commemorations.”