West End star Alfie Boe has revealed what fans can expect from his performance at the 2026 Festival of Remembrance this weekend at London's Royal Albert Hall. The singer will take to the stage on Saturday, November 7, for the Royal British Legion's annual event, which brings together senior members of the royal family, veterans and serving personnel.
Hosted by Clive Myrie, the evening features a line-up of musical talent including Alfie Boe, James Emmanuel, Mica Paris, Rita Wilson and Tom Odell, alongside performances from the Band of Royal Air Force Regiment and the Bands of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) and Collingwood.
An honour to perform
Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Friday, November 6, Boe told hosts Charlie Stayt and Rachel Burden: "It's such an honour. I mean that word, honour, to be honest is not big enough but to stand on stage and be able to celebrate our Veterans present and past on that special evening is such a gift and such a blessing to be able to do that and show my own personal respect that I have for them and gratitude for what they've done for our countrt and our lives."
The West End star also shared details of his musical performance for the evening. He said: "I'll be singing a beautifully emotionally song called Run by the band Snow Patrol but it's a very classical version. It's got the full orchestra. We have a 100-piece choir and the Royal Air Force band are joining us as well so I think I'm going to have to sing very loud."
Theme of remembrance
Through powerful personal stories, the festival reflects on the experiences of those whose lives have been shaped by conflict. In a year marking significant anniversaries of operations in Bosnia, the end of the Gulf War and the Iraq War, the event hears from those who served, those who lost loved ones and the families who continue to live with the impact of military service. Their experiences resonate with those of serving families today as they share the realities of deployment and separation in 2026.
At the heart of this year's festival is the theme of places of remembrance, exploring how the places associated with those who have been lost can hold profound personal meaning. From national memorials and familiar landmarks to gardens, football pitches and quiet corners of everyday life, people from across the UK share the places where they remember and feel close to loved ones who are no longer with them.
Silence and Remembrance Sunday
As the festival draws to a close, the Royal Albert Hall observes a two-minute silence as poppies fall in a tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed.
Sophie Raworth and Petroc Trelawny present live coverage from London on Sunday, November 8, as members of the Royal Family lead the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph. Senior members of the Royal Family will be joined on Whitehall by leading UK politicians, alongside representatives of the armed forces, the Commonwealth and faith communities, for the two-minute silence at 11am and the National Service of Remembrance. This is followed by the annual wreath laying and the march past of 10,000 veterans as the nation remembers all those who have died serving their country.
BBC Breakfast airs Monday to Saturday on BBC One at 6am, and the Festival of Remembrance will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, November 7 at 9pm.
