BBC CONFIRMS REMEMBRANCE WEEK COVERAGE PLANS
The BBC is marking Remembrance Week 2023 across television, radio, and online with a range of original and live programming, including the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance 2023 and the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph.
Tim Davie, BBC Director-General says: “The BBC is honoured to bring remembrance content to our audiences across TV, radio, and online, with special programming to commemorate those who served in the armed forces and pay tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Monday 6 November
The One Show presents the Glasgow War Memorial
BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 7pm-7.30pm
On The One Show, journalist Tasnim Nazeer will showcase a new project in Glasgow which aims to build a new national monument in honour of South Asian soldiers who fought alongside the British in the first and second world wars, and were based in camps in Scotland.
Due to be in the grounds of Kelvingrove Museum, the segment will explore local stories from the period, including Gaynoll whose 100 year old mother tended the graves of 9 Indian soldiers who died in training whilst in the Cairngorms.
The short film will tell stories of the battalion and follow Gaynoll to the small exclusive ceremony where the first stone for the memorial is laid, inscribed with the words; Remember, Commemorate and Educate.
Friday 10 November
The One Show presents Poppy Fields with Adebanji Alade
BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 7pm-7.30pm
On The One Show, artist Adebanji Alade presents from a poppy field just outside the village of Fovant in Wiltshire, where thousands of soldiers were stationed in training camps during the first world war. Here, regimental badges have been chalked into the hillside to commemorate their fallen friends.
In this short film, Adebanji meets a local poppy farmer and sets up his easel to paint a portrait of 105 year old veteran John Hamilton, who served in the second world war and was evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940. John shares his memories before Adebanji reveals his emotional and poignant portrait against the iconic floral backdrop.
Morning Live
BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 9.15am-10am
Morning Live will be doing a live insert and meeting those who will be taking part in the Festival Of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall with presenter Rhys Stephenson between 09:15 – 10:00am.
Saturday 11 November
The Lord Mayor’s Show
BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 10.45am-12.05pm
The streets of London will be filled with music and entertainment to welcome the 695th Lord Mayor of London. This year, before the parade steps off, Armistice Day will be marked at 11am with the national silence that will be observed by the crowds and procession participants including nearly 2,000 troops from all branches of the armed forces.
Presenter Scott Mills will be joined by military expert Brigadier Greville Bibby and reporter Mwaka Mudenda will be on the parade route speaking to those taking part to share the excitement of the world’s longest, unrehearsed parade.
The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance
BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 9pm-10.40pm
Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be joined by members of the Royal Family at the Royal British Legion's annual Festival of Remembrance from the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Hosted by Clare Balding – music artists include British soul legend Mica Paris, popstar Calum Scott, Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery, Festival favourite Alfie Boe, singer songwriter Katie Melua, chart-topping DJ-duo Sigma featuring Morgan and 14 year old opera singing sensation Malaki.
The Band of HM Royal Marines and The Band of The Royal Airforce Regiment will create awe inspiring displays of military music. This year’s event will commemorate the significant anniversaries of two crucial historical battles.
It is eighty years since The Battle of the Atlantic, the longest military campaign of World War II and the seventieth anniversary of the Korean War in which many national servicemen fought and died, with veterans from both wars present in the Hall.
In tribute to the seventy fifth anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush's arrival, the Festival will honour the extraordinary contributions of the Windrush generation to the military. Our currently serving personnel will also be celebrated as we hear of the remarkable work of the British Army Chaplains in training their Ukrainian counterparts and we give thanks for the essential role that military families play in supporting those that serve.
Past and present military personnel will come together to be honoured for their service and dedication in defending our freedoms and way of life. As the petals fall in the Royal Albert Hall, the Festival will pay tribute to all victims of war and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
For the first time ever, the BBC will be providing audio described commentary for audiences who are blind or partially sighted through BBC iPlayer and the channel’s red button function.
Sunday 12 November
Remembrance Sunday: The Cenotaph
BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 10.15am-12.45pm (highlights on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, 6pm-7.20pm)
David Dimbleby will present live coverage from London as His Majesty The King leads the nation in the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Whitehall.
As it has for more than one hundred years, the two-minute silence at 11 o’clock will be followed by the service and wreath laying as the nation remembers all those from the UK, and across the Commonwealth, who have died serving their country.
His Majesty will be joined by senior members of the Royal Family and leading UK politicians, alongside representatives of the Armed Forces, Commonwealth nations, and faith communities for the morning’s commemorations.
Nearly 10,000 veterans are expected to take part in the Royal British Legion March Past and Sophie Raworth will speak with some of those taking part as they share their remarkable stories of service. Veterans and their families from across the nation will reflect on film on the importance and meaning of Remembrance to them.
For the first time ever, the BBC will be providing audio described commentary for audiences who are blind or partially sighted through BBC iPlayer and the channel’s red button function.