Remembrance Sunday 2026 in London: Cenotaph times, two-minute silence and how to attend

The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall takes place on Sunday 8 November, with the two-minute silence at 11am. Whitehall opens to the public at 8am, and no tickets are needed.

What time is the two-minute silence?

The silence begins at 11am, marked by gunfire from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery on Horse Guards Parade. Military detachments form up from 10.30am and participants process to the Cenotaph from 10.50am.

Can I go and watch?

Yes. Anyone can watch from the public areas along Whitehall and Parliament Street, without a ticket. Space is limited, so arrive early and allow time for police security checks. Screens are placed north and south of the Cenotaph. A wheelchair-accessible viewing area is on the west side of Parliament Street, near King Charles Street, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Read more: Lord Mayor’s Show 2026: date, time, route and the new Lord Mayor

What should I bring?

• Avoid large bags. Bags with lots of pockets slow down the security checks.
• Photography is allowed, but please don’t take photos during the silence. Tripods may be removed.
• Dress for the weather: you could be standing for several hours.

Travel and road closures

Stations near Whitehall get very busy before and after the service. Great George Street is closed to the public; you can get between Victoria Street and St James’s Park via Storey’s Gate. Check Transport for London before you travel.

Armistice Day

Armistice Day itself falls on Wednesday 11 November, when a second two-minute silence is held at 11am across the country.

Source: GOV.UK (DCMS). Photo: the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, Peter Barr, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Follow Energy Radio on Facebook and Instagram.