Ajex has launched a publicity drive to warn participants in next month’s annual parade that they will need a ticket to join the march.

The change is on the instruction of police and reflects security issues around Horse Guards Parade. Tickets are available via Ajex, whose chief executive, Major Danny Yank, said that the association was spreading the word in an effort to avert difficulties on the day for former service personnel and their families.

“A lot of people will travel a long way and we don’t want them to be disappointed. Anyone without a ticket will have to produce two forms of ID. If they don’t have it, in the worst case scenario, they will be turned away.

“It shows just how much security now goes into any public event.”

Major Yank said the message was that “we desperately want you to come. But it is a significant change.” To simplify the process, one person could request tickets for a group.

The 2018 parade attracted 2,000 marchers and Major Yank is hoping for a similar turnout on November 17. Last year, 100 JFS pupils in uniform joined the parade, honouring alumni who died in the First World War. For this year’s 85th parade, Major Yank is expecting students from Hasmonean, JCoSS, Immanuel and Yavneh to swell the numbers.

“It will make a whole new generation familiar with the march who will carry it forward.” Current Jewish service personnel will feature prominently in the parade.