The BBC will mark the significance of Remembrance Week 2026 with a wealth of programming. This includes live coverage of the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph, featuring senior members of the Royal Family.
This year’s theme is Places of Remembrance, which aligns with the BBC’s mission of bringing people together, and will be represented in all facets of coverage. Audiences can follow events across BBC News, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, as well as live on BBC One.
Audio Described commentary of the live events is available via the Red Button and BBC iPlayer, while commentary-free coverage of the live events at the Cenotaph will also be available on iPlayer.
Here’s how to follow events across TV, BBC iPlayer, Radio and BBC Sounds.
Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance 2026BBC One and iPlayer
Saturday 7 November, 9pm – 10.30pm
Senior members of the royal family join veterans, serving personnel and their families at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance.
Hosted by Clive Myrie, the evening features performances from an outstanding line-up of musical talent, including Alfie Boe, James Emmanuel, Mica Paris, Rita Wilson and Tom Odell, alongside stirring performances from the Band of Royal Air Force Regiment and the Bands of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) and Collingwood.
Through powerful personal stories, the festival reflects on the experiences of those whose lives have been shaped by conflict. In a year marking significant anniversaries of operations in Bosnia, the end of the Gulf War and the Iraq War, we hear from those who served, those who lost loved ones and the families who continue to live with the impact of military service. Their experiences resonate with those of serving families today as they share the realities of deployment and separation in 2026.
At the heart of this year’s festival is the theme of places of remembrance, exploring how the places we associate with those we have lost can hold profound personal meaning. From national memorials and familiar landmarks to gardens, football pitches and quiet corners of everyday life, people from across the UK share the places where they remember and feel close to loved ones who are no longer with them.
As the festival draws to a close, the Royal Albert Hall observes a two-minute silence as poppies fall in a moving tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed.
Accessible commentary will be available by selecting audio description on your TV or BBC iPlayer. A version with British Sign Language will also be available on Red Button and iPlayer.
BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds
Saturday 7 November, 8pm – 9pm
Paddy O’Connell presents a special live programme for Remembrance Weekend, featuring reflective interviews, moving tributes and unforgettable musical performances.
Alongside highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, Paddy shares dedications from Radio 2 listeners to serving members of the Armed Forces and to loved ones who are no longer with us. He is also joined by members of the Radio 2 presenter family, who reflect on the personal significance of remembrance.
Paddy speaks with performers, veterans and bereaved families involved in the event, giving voice to personal stories of service, sacrifice and loss.
Accompanied by powerful performances from the Festival, as well as inspirational and nostalgic music, the programme reflects the significance of Remembrance Weekend and honours those whose service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Remembrance Sunday: The CenotaphBBC One and iPlayer
Sunday 8 November, 10.15am – 12.40pm
Sophie Raworth and Petroc Trelawny present live coverage from London as HM the King leads the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph.
His Majesty will be joined on Whitehall by senior members of the royal family and leading UK politicians, alongside representatives of the armed forces, the Commonwealth and faith communities for the two-minute silence at 11 o’clock and the National Service of Remembrance.
This is followed by the annual wreath laying and the historic march past of 10,000 veterans as the nation remembers all those who have died serving their country.
Accessible commentary and uninterrupted commentary-free coverage will be available on BBC iPlayer. A version with British Sign Language will also be available on Red Button and iPlayer.
BBC World Service and Radio 4
Sunday 8 November, 10.30am – 11.30am
Paddy O’Connell leads live coverage from London’s Whitehall for the solemn ceremony of Remembrance when the nation remembers the sacrifice made by so many in the two world wars and other recent conflicts.
The traditional music of remembrance is played by the massed bands. After the Two Minutes Silence and Last Post, wreaths are laid at the foot of the Cenotaph by members of the British Royal Family, political leaders and representatives of Commonwealth countries, before a short Service of Remembrance. During the March Past, those involved in conflicts throughout the world will share their thoughts.