Remembrance events in London this weekend

This weekend will see the 104^th Remembrance Sunday, the first having been held one year after the end of hostilities in World War One.

It commemorates the contribution made by British and Commonwealth soldiers, and their sacrifice in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts.

As ever, the Sunday service will centre around the Cenotaph on Whitehall, where wreaths will be laid, and a two-minute silence observed.

However, if you can’t attend the ceremony, or would like to pay your respects in a more private setting, there are several places you can visit.

There are also many museums open till Saturday, in case you want to learn more about the immense sacrifice made by so many.

Field of Remembrance – Westminster Abbey

The Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey is a memorial garden.

Visitors can plant a token of Remembrance in memory of a loved one, or just come for quiet reflection.

It will be open to the public from 1pm on Thursday November 9, and from 10am-4pm every day after until Sunday November 19.

The fallen of the First and Second World Wars and more recent conflicts are remembered every year at the Field of Remembrance in the grounds of Westminster Abbey.

The Reverend Mark Birch explains the origins of the Field, and looks at other ways we can remember loved ones ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Rkc984c8ST

— Westminster Abbey (@wabbey) November 5, 2023

Festival of Remembrance – Royal Albert Hall

Remembrance Day, on Saturday 11, will see the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, commencing at 2pm.

This will be televised at 9pm on BBC1 and will feature uplifting music from military bands and orchestras, and a tribute to Her late Majesty The Queen.

It’s that time again – join us this Saturday 11 November for the Royal British Legion #FestivalofRemembrance. The festival pays tribute to our Armed Forces community, and all those who have put everything on the line and made great sacrifices for our freedom. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/NIsC08kPyp

— Royal British Legion (@PoppyLegion) November 7, 2023

Imperial War Museum – Lambeth

If you want to learn more about past wars, why not visit the Imperial War Museum?

Entry is free, including exhibitions on espionage from World War One to the present day, and The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Here you can learn of the less celebrated servicemen and women.

It’s open from 10am-6pm daily, booking not required.

Men of 22 Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) guide a Bristol Sycamore HR14 helicopter to a jungle clearing at Ula Langat, near Kuala Lumpur, November 1957.

Photographed during the Malayan Emergency – read more about the conflict: https://t.co/mRpSIsN7QZ

© IWM D 87943 pic.twitter.com/aKvjrC11zP

— Imperial War Museums (@I_W_M) November 7, 2023

The Guards Museum – St James’ Park

A stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, here you can take an in-depth look at the five regiments of Foot Guards, famous for protecting sovereign and royal palaces for over 300 years.

Admission is £8 for adults, £5 for children and over-65s.

National Maritime Museum – Greenwich

Here you can learn about the maritime cost of war, with features on The Merchant Navy during the two world wars, and the brave sailors of the arctic convoys in WW2.

It will also be hosting a Remembrance event on Sunday, including talks, tours, a display of memorabilia and more.

It runs from 12pm-4pm, free tickets can be found here.

Featured Image Courtesy of Pexels