BBC REVEALS REMEMBRANCE WEEK PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS AND PRESENTING LINE-UP

The BBC will mark Remembrance Week 2025 with a wide range of special programming across television, radio and digital platforms. This includes live coverage of the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance 2025, attended by Senior Members of the Royal Family, the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph, as well as commemorative content for audiences of all ages.

The Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance 2025

Saturday 8 November, BBC One and iPlayer, 9pm – 10.30pm

Senior Members of The Royal Family will attend The Royal British Legion’s annual Festival of Remembrance at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.

This year, the event will be hosted by the award-winning Hannah Waddingham and will feature performances from music artists including Sir Rod Stewart, Blessing Offor, Sam Ryder, Keala Settle and The Wellermen. Military music will also take centre stage, with awe-inspiring displays from The Central Band of the RAF, The RAF Squadronaires, The King’s Colour Squadron, and The Band of HM Royal Marines.

The Festival will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and lost their lives. Personal stories will also bring to light the experiences of those lost in more recent conflicts, connecting the past with the present. Special focus will be given to the resilience and strength of military children who have faced bereavement.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the UK Government lifting the ban on gay, lesbian, and bisexual personnel serving openly in the armed forces. The Festival will reflect on past discriminations, and celebrate the progress made since 2000.

As the iconic poppies fall during a two-minute silence, Members of the Royal Family, veterans and the nation will remember the sacrifices made.

Accessible commentary will be available on BBC iPlayer. A version with British Sign Language will also be available on Red Button and iPlayer. The Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance 2025 is produced by BBC Studios Events Productions.

Remembrance Sunday: The Cenotaph

BBC One and iPlayer, 10.15am - 12.40pm

Sophie Raworth and Petroc Trelawny will present live coverage from London as Members of the Royal Family leads the nation in the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph.

Senior Members of The Royal Family will be joined by leading UK politicians, alongside representatives of the armed forces, Commonwealth nations, and faith communities, for the two-minute silence at 11am and the National Service of Remembrance.

The proceedings continue with the wreath-laying ceremony, as the nation honours all those who have died in service, followed by the historic march past of nearly 10,000 veterans, organised by The Royal British Legion.

Across the country, veterans and their families will reflect on the personal significance of Remembrance, sharing remarkable stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience, reminding us all why we pause to remember.

David Dimbleby, who previously provided commentary for the Remembrance Sunday commemorations, said: “After over quarter of a century as the commentator on Remembrance Sunday I have decided that the time has come to step down. It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of this annual ceremony commemorating our veterans and their sacrifice.”

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. There will also be coverage of the events on Radio 4 and 5 Live. Remembrance Sunday: The Cenotaph is produced by BBC Studios Events Productions.

Tim Davie, BBC Director-General says: “It is always an honour for the BBC to help the country remember the courage of all who served in the armed forces and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. During this remembrance period, we will pay tribute to their legacy through a range of dedicated programming and poignant storytelling for audiences right across the UK."

More details will be announced in due course.