Remembrance Sunday 2026: Commencement Ceremony at the Cenotaph

On Sunday, 8 November 2026, the Remembrance Service will take place at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, commencing at 11:00 am.

The ceremony commemorates the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian personnel who served in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) coordinates the event alongside colleagues from across government, the armed forces, and veterans’ organisations.

Attending in person

Entry is free and tickets are not required; the public is welcome to watch the ceremony from the pavements along Whitehall and Parliament Street. However, entry may be limited if the area becomes fully occupied. Video screens will be positioned north of the Cenotaph near the Green, directly in front of the statue of Field Marshal Montgomery, in the lay-by outside Dover House (between Horse Guards and Downing Street), and close to the junction of Whitehall Place. A screen will also be placed south of the Cenotaph on the corner of King Charles Street.

Additional viewing areas will be available for wheelchair users and spectators who may find it difficult to view from the general public areas. This specific enclosure is located on the west side of Parliament Street, close to its junction with King Charles Street. Space will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. One carer or guest per person will also be admitted, and toilets for those with accessibility needs will be available nearby.

Timings

Those attending in person should consider the following event schedule:

• 8:00 am: Whitehall opens to the public. Space will be limited. Please allow time to clear the police security procedures.
• From 10:30 am: All detachments form up on the Cenotaph.
• From 10:50 am: Participants process out onto the Cenotaph.
• 11:00 am: National Two Minute Silence marked by the firing of guns from King’s Troop on Horse Guards Parade. The Cenotaph Service commences.
• 11:25 am: The Cenotaph Service concludes and Royal British Legion detachments disperse past the Cenotaph.

Travelling to the event

Road closures

• Great George Street will be closed to the public on Remembrance Sunday. Access between Victoria Street and St James Park will be via Storey’s Gate.

Security measures

• An extensive policing operation will be in place on the day. Please allow plenty of time for clearance through police security checks.
• Please do not bring large bags. Those with multiple or complex openings or cases may delay others’ entry into the public viewing areas.
• The unauthorised use of any drones (including quadcopters/helicopters) in this area and surrounding roads is strictly prohibited at all times.
• Please remain vigilant and report anything that appears suspicious, unusual, or out of place to a police officer or event staff member.

Facilities

• Temporary public toilets will be located in Whitehall Place.
• First aid facilities, provided by St John Ambulance, will be available at various locations along Whitehall.

Taking photographs

• Photography is permitted, though the Metropolitan Police have powers to remove obstacles such as camera tripods where they obstruct public access or views. Spectators should avoid taking photographs during the Two Minute Silence, as shutter noises can be offensive.

Order of service

Watching the event from home

• You can watch the event on television on the BBC, Sky, and ITV.
• Follow DCMS on social media for highlights from the event.

Queries

Source link