Woollen Soldier (released 1st October 2026)
An evocatve new track pays tribute to the fallen and supports veterans’ causes across the UK.
Leicester, UK – 01/10/2026 – Rock band English Manuscript is proud to announce the release of
their poignant new charity single, “The Woollen Soldier,” in support of the annual Poppy Day appeal. Set for release on 01/10/2026, the single is available on all major streaming pla orms,
with all proceeds donated directly to the Royal Bri sh Legion to support serving and former
members of the Bri sh Armed Forces.
The single was inspired by the touching handmade figure created by the anonymous local artist
known as the Syston Kni ng Banksy — a woollen soldier that stood in silent tribute at the Syston
War Memorial during last year's remembrance service. The figure captured the hearts of local
residents and na onal media alike, becoming a symbol of remembrance cra ed with care,
compassion, and quiet dignity.
“When we saw the Woollen Soldier standing there by the Syston memorial, it stopped us in our
tracks,” said a spokesperson for English Manuscript. “There was something so human about it — a
handmade figure, standing watch, reminding us of the warmth behind the sacrifice. This song is
our tribute to that feeling, and to everyone it represents. We wanted to capture the emo onal
fabric of remembrance, and support the vital work done by the Poppy Appeal at the same me”
Rooted in tradi onal storytelling and rich acous c textures, "The Woollen Soldier" paints a deeply
human portrait of remembrance. Woven through poe c lyrics and haun ng melodies, the song
tells the story of a soldier kni ed not of flesh and blood, but of thread and memory—symbolising
the las ng legacy of those who served, and those le behind to remember.
The release of "The Woollen Soldier" is med to coincide with Remembrance Day, and aims to
inspire reflec on and generosity in the lead-up to November 11th. A music video accompanying
the single features archival footage, handcra ed stop-mo on visuals, and symbolic imagery of
knitted soldiers standing quietly in fields of red poppies.