Christ Church Cathedral will be illuminated in red to commemorate all New Zealanders who have sacrificed in service of the country.

From dusk to dawn, for the days preceding and including Anzac Day, the western façade of the Cathedral will shine poppy-red as a commemorative tribute to this important day.

On Saturday 25 April, people of all ages will once gather again in Cathedral Square to honour fallen and returned servicemen and women, a tradition passed down the generations over the last 110 years.

Grant McMillan, president of Christchurch Memorial RSA, said,

"The Cathedral has always been - and will remain - a key place for remembrance in our city. 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."

This year, for the fourth time since the 2011 earthquakes, residents have returned to Cathedral Square under the Citizens War Memorial.

The commemorations that mark Australia and New Zealand's Gallipoli campaign will begin at 6.15am when veterans and servicemen, active and retired, will gather at the Worcester Bridge and then parade the short distance to Cathedral Square for the traditional dawn service.

Dean Ben Truman said,

"The Cathedral has served as a place of peace, hope, prayer and sacred memory for almost 150 years. 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 end with the playing of the Last Post, a minute’s silence, and then the singing of the New Zealand national anthem.

Mark Odlin, Partner at Buddle Findlay, said,

"Illuminating the Cathedral in poppy-red serves as a distinctive tribute to our servicemen and women. Buddle Findlay is honoured to support the Anzac Day commemorations again this year."