Guidance

National Service of Remembrance: Sunday 12 November 2023

How you can take part in the commemorations.

From:
Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Ministry of Defence
Published
9 October 2023
Last updated
6 November 2023 — See all updates

On Sunday 12 November, the National Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London.

Starting at 11am, the service will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two world wars and later conflicts.

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

Watch the livestream on the DCMS YouTube channel

## Guidance for watching and attending Remembrance Sunday in London on 12 November, 2023

Attending in person

No tickets or passes are needed for the event, and the public are welcome to watch the ceremony from the pavements along Whitehall and Parliament Street. However, entry may be limited if the area becomes full. There will be video screens north of the Cenotaph, near the green directly in front of the statue of Field Marshal Montgomery, and in the lay-by outside Dover House (between Horse Guards and Downing Street) and close to the junction of Whitehall Place. There is also a screen south of the Cenotaph on the corner of King Charles Street. 

Space will be available for wheelchair users and other spectators who might find it difficult to view from the general public areas. This area is located on the west side of Parliament Street, close to the junction with King Charles Street. Space in this enclosure will be offered on a first-come, first-serve, basis. One carer or guest per person will also be admitted and a toilet for those with accessibility needs  will be available nearby.

If you are thinking of attending the service in London, please note the event schedule below:

Timings

08:00: Whitehall opens to the public. Space will be limited. Please allow time to clear the police security procedures.

From 10:30: All detachments form up on the Cenotaph.

From 10:50: Participants process out onto the Cenotaph.

11:00: National two-minute silence marked by the firing of guns from King’s Troop on Horse Guards Parade. Cenotaph Service commences.

11:25: Cenotaph Service concludes and the Royal British Legion detachments disperse past the Cenotaph.

Order of March

See this year’s Royal British Legion Order of March for the Cenotaph March Past.

Order of service

See 2023 Remembrance Sunday commemorations: order of service.

Security information

  • There is an extensive policing security operation 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 will delay yours and others entry into the public viewing areas. 

  • Please note that the unauthorised use of any drones (including quadcopters/helicopters) in this area and the roads surrounding Whitehall is strictly prohibited at all times.

Travel information

Watching the event from home

  • You can watch the event on television on the BBC, Sky and ITV.

  • Follow DCMS on social media and YouTube for highlights from the Service in London.

Further information

  • Queries about the march past should be sent to the Royal British Legion at: cenotaph@britishlegion.org.uk.

  • Photography is permitted, but the Metropolitan Police have powers to remove obstacles such as camera tripods where they obstruct public access or views. Spectators should not take photographs during the two-­minute silence when shutter noises can offend.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Please consider your attendance if you have symptoms of or have tested positive for COVID-19. You should avoid close contact with people at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, even if they’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine. More information is available on the NHS website.

Published 9 October 2023
Last updated 6 November 2023 + show all updates

  1. Added Order of Service page.

  2. Added Royal British Legion Order of March link and minor page edits.

  3. First published.

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