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Paddy O'Connell presents highlights from the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, with spectacular music from star acts and military bands.

In the year that marks the 75th Anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day and the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, as well as the 70th Anniversary of the Korean War, this act of remembrance pays tribute to the armed forces and remembers all victims of war and conflict, through music, performance and reflection.

Veterans, Military service personnel, representatives of the Civilian Services and those who have lost loved ones, come together in the spectacular setting of the Royal Albert Hall, to give thanks and pay tribute to all who gave their lives in the service of their country, and who continue to risk their lives today.

Covid-19 Restrictions have brought a very different type of Remembrance this year, as people across the country are encouraged to make Remembrance their own. This year, there won’t be the usual audience filling the seats of the Royal Albert Hall, instead there will be safely-distanced specially invited guests to represent those who cannot be there in person. Remembrance of those who have died in this COVID pandemic also forms a backdrop to the event this year, as many will wish to mark the part played by the armed forces in protecting our national life.

The Royal British Legion theme is ‘Remember Together,’ focusing on the importance of remembering the service, sacrifice and collaboration of the men and women of Britain, the Commonwealth and Allied nations who fought together and worked together. Guests from music, television, film and military worlds tell Paddy of the special honour it is to be involved in this annual event. The Festival concludes with the Service of Remembrance during which thousands of poppies are dropped from the roof of the hall, representing the lives lost in both World Wars, and subsequent conflicts.

Producer: Katharine Longworth