Guidance

Guidance for 2021 Remembrance Sunday commemorations

This page provides events information for those attending the 2021 Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph in London.

Find out how you can join the commemorations on Sunday 14 November

On Sunday 14 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 Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) is the co­ordinator of the event, alongside colleagues from across government, the armed forces and veterans’ organisations.

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 outside the main Ministry of Defence building and outside the Scotland Office and south of the Cenotaph on the corner of King Charles Street.

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

Attending and taking part

  • 08:00: Whitehall opens to the public. The public is advised that space is limited. Please allow time to clear the police security procedures and you are advised not to bring large bags.
  • 09:00: The Royal British Legion (TRBL) detachments form up on Horse Guards Parade and in Whitehall.
  • From 10:30: All detachments form up on the Cenotaph.
  • From 10:50: Participants process out onto the Cenotaph.
  • 11:00: National two minutes 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.

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 or cases as this will delay your entrance 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.

Before attending large events, you are advised to:

  • Check for symptoms of COVID-19 (a high temperature, new and persistent cough, or a loss of/change in sense of taste or smell) before travelling to the event. If you have COVID-19 symptoms you should self-isolate immediately and get a free NHS test, even if these symptoms are mild. You should not attend if you are required to self-isolate, for example because you have had a positive test, or have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
  • Think about other health factors and the impact of travelling to attend a large event. If you feel unwell but do not have COVID-19 symptoms, or your COVID-19 test is negative, you may still have an illness which could be passed on to other people (such as a cold or the flu). Staying at home until you feel better reduces the risk that you will pass on an illness to other people in the community.
  • Follow the guidance on safer travel and any relevant guidance issued by travel operators. If using Transport for London (TfL) services follow TfL guidance, and be aware that face coverings must be worn when using TfL services.
  • Plan your journey. Please be aware that Westminster Underground Station will be particularly busy during the morning of Remembrance Sunday. Please use alternative stations when travelling to Whitehall, including Charing Cross, Green Park and Embankment.
  • You may wish to use rapid lateral flow testing to make sure you aren’t spreading the virus without knowing it. For example, you may wish to take a lateral flow test before or after attending the event. People who are eligible can also book their flu vaccine and their COVID-19 vaccine booster jabs, to ensure they are fully protected this winter.
  • Review this page regularly to ensure you are aware of any changes in current guidance that may affect this year’s Service. You can find more advice in the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread.

At the event, you should:

  • Follow guidance on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), including washing or sanitising your hands frequently (for example, after touching surfaces like handrails).
  • Consider wearing face coverings in crowded and enclosed areas where you will come into contact with people you do not usually meet.
  • Use the NHS COVID-19 app to help NHS Test and Trace stop the spread of the virus.
  • Adhere to any relevant COVID-19 safety measures in place at the event, including observing directions given by stewards.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson buys a poppy

Order of service

Please find a downloadable order of service below:

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. We ask spectators not to take photographs during the two-­minute silence when shutter noises can offend.

A 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 served basis only. One carer or guest per person will also be admitted and a toilet for the use of disabled people will be available nearby.

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 from 0600 on Remembrance Sunday. Access between Victoria Street and St James Park will be via Storey’s Gate.

Published 29 October 2021
Last updated 12 November 2021 + show all updates
  1. Added order of service document.

  2. First published.