As November sets in, it’s worth noting Remembrance Sunday is on the horizon. But what is it, and what does it mean for us Londoners?
Every year on the nearest Sunday to the 11th of November, the UK holds a memorial for servicemen and women who have given their lives in the line of duty. The date of the 11th marks the signing of the armistice that ended WWI.
The memorial service is an important event in the British calendar. Parts of central London will be closed off to make way for a procession. There’s a concert held by the Royal British Legion at the Royal Albert Hall and, of course, poppies to be worn.
Here’s what you can expect this year.
When is The Memorial Service for Remembrance Sunday 2023? What Should You Expect?
This year the memorial falls on Sunday the 12th. The memorial itself begins with a short religious service and a nationwide two-minute silence held at 11am.
Then, at the Cenotaph on Whitehall (that’s the memorial to the lost soldiers) the service continues with the sombre laying of wreaths and a march past where surviving soldiers and members of all sections of the armed forces march past the Cenotaph. The service ends with the Royal Marine buglers sounding the Last Post.
There’s a very specific order to the march. You can see that here.
If you want, you can go and watch the service from the sidelines on Whitehall. You’ll have to get there pretty early though as the space is limited and will no doubt fill up fast. They will turn you away if the space fills up too.
It’s worth noting that during the service, and the Sunday generally, getting around in Westminster will be pretty difficult. Whitehall will be essentially shut off.
Every year The Royal British Legion holds a memorial concert at the Royal Albert Hall. It’s called The Festival of Remembrance. This year it happens on Saturday 11 November 2023 with performances at 2pm and 7pm. If you’d like to attend, you can book tickets here.
All of the above will be broadcast on the BBC if you want to watch but don’t want to brave a cold (and, let’s face it, probably wet) November morning.
Lest We Forget
So why do we do all this? If you’re British this is probably instinctual, but we appreciate that not all our readers will have been schooled the way we have so for clarity, here’s your answer.
The ceremonies on November 11th are to remember the lives of people in the armed and emergency services who have given their lives to protect the freedom of people like us, you included.
It’s a slight misconception that these services are only for fallen soldiers of the world wars. Actually, they are here to remember anyone who laid down their life in a conflict or terror attack, though the armed forces and world war veterans get a lot of focus.
The service has been taking place since 1919, one year after the end of WWI, at the time the bloodiest conflict in European history. The war shocked the British public. There was a strong feeling that we should never forget the lives lost and the sacrifices made.
One way you can take part in that is by wearing a poppy. You’ll see lots of people doing it around the time of Remembrance Sunday. You’ll likely be able to pick one up from a charity worker going about your normal routine in London. They will be everywhere, just remember to carry some change to slip into the pot.
Should you want to make a bigger donation to the Poppy Appeal, you can do so here.
Remembrance Sunday: Practical Information
When: Sunday 12th November 2023
Where: Whitehall, Westminster
Tickets: You don’t need a ticket, entry to see the service is free. Turn up early though.
