Remembrance Day Parade of Sail on the Tyne is set to attract crowds this weekend

Visitors to Newcastle's Quayside market this weekend will be treated to the sight of a floating tribute on the Tyne to mark Remembrance Day.

Many more spectators are expected to make their way to the riverside specially to see what has become a popular local tradition: the Maritime Volunteer Service's moving Remembrance Day Parade of Sail which always includes the laying of a wreath of poppies on the water and a two-minute silence. This will be the 12th year that the Northumbria unit of the MVS leads a small procession of boats up the Tyne and watching crowds will be in for a moving tribute as the vessels pay their respects to those who gave their lives for their country.

Keith Newman, of MVS Northumbria, is the organiser of the event and he said: "As a charity based on the river, we wanted to pay our respects using our vessels. This is a unique way to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice."

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The MVS is a voluntary uniformed organisation which since its inception in 1994 has worked to keep maritime traditions alive. It now has more than 20 active units around the UK coast, with more to follow.

The local branch is based at St Peter’s Marina and its vessel Northumberland Freemason will be leading the way on November 10 from the Ouseburn, where the parade will start at 10.35am. Its other vessel Melita will follow and joining in will be other river users including Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service; Red Seal Rescue and Port of Tyne as well as a variety of small boats.

The parade will sail up to the Swing Bridge and then head down-river to a point just west of the Millennium Bridge where a special wreath will be placed on the river. The two-minute silence will be at 11am.

Hundreds of people are expected to watch the moving tribute and Keith said: "The best vantage points will be near and on the Millennium Bridge.”

The MVS always welcomes new members and it is open to all from the age of 18. No experience is necessary to join and practical training can be given in seamanship, small boat handling, engineering and communications.

Its parade is a popular addition to other city events to mark Remembrance Day which on Sunday will include a parade of service personnel to Old Eldon Square and a service at Newcastle Cathedral. On Armistice Day, November 11, the cathedral will also host an Act of Remembrance service in St Nicholas Square.