November is a special time for all those who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces Community. Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions around the world pause in silence to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces during two World Wars and other conflicts.
The date marks the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918, officially declared on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
On Sunday 8th November 2026, services will be held across the UK, and the morning of Remembrance Sunday will see the annual Remembrance Day Parade take place in central London, culminating at the Cenotaph in Whitehall for the poppy wreath-laying ceremony.
Where to see Remembrance Day ceremonies
On Sunday 8th 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 & Sport (DCMS) coordinates the event, alongside colleagues from across government, the Armed Forces and veterans’ organisations.th
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, here is more info
Other Remembrance Day activities
The Royal British Legion once again welcomes its members, the public and VIP guests to the annual Festival of Remembrance. Through inspiring music, performance and words, the Festival honours all those from the Armed Forces who serve, and have served and sacrificed, from Britain and the Commonwealth.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday 7th November 2026 with performances at 2pm and 7pm.
There are several Remembrance Events planned across the country and our Solent region. This will include honouring a two-minute silence at 1100 hrs on the 11th. Veterans and their families are encouraged to take part in, while local schools, churches, and organisations will participate in their own ways to pay respects.
Here are a few of the events coming up in Portsmouth and the local area:
Armistice Day and Remembrance events are being held in Portsmouth to honour those who have fallen in service to the country.
Residents are invited to attend two public events organised by Portsmouth City Council:
City of Portsmouth Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade
The City of Portsmouth Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade in 2026 takes place on Sunday, 8th November, 2026.
Event Details
Sunday 8th November, 10.30am–12pm in Guildhall Square. The service will be preceded by a parade of veterans, military personnel and youth groups in the square starting from 10.30am. At 11am there will be a two-minute silence followed by the service. A wreath-laying ceremony at the World War I Cenotaph and World War II Memorial will conclude the morning’s services. More info here
Armistice Day Service
Wednesday 11th November, 10.45am at the Cenotaph, Guildhall Square. This short service starts at 10.45am and will include a two-minute silence at the traditional 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. During the service there will be a selection of readings and poems. More info here
VOS Remembrance Event – Portsmouth
Wednesday 11th November, 1230-1400hrs
The Greenhouse, Victoria Park, Portsmouth
To commemorate Remembrance Day, join VOS as we remember the sacrifice of those who have served our country for a cuppa and treat and a chance to craft something special as part of our Remembrance Day Reflection. Come along for a chat with fellow VOS members. No need to book, simply drop in. FREE hot drink and treats.
Southampton
Sunday 8th November, 1000hrs
A Remembrance Sunday Service at Ancasta Grove Care Home – Ancasta Grove Care Home, 123 Barnes Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, SO31 7BH
Join this Remembrance Day service being held at Ancasta Grove Care Home – the event is scheduled to take place at 1000hrs.
Isle of Wight
Communities across the Isle of Wight will come together this November to honour those who served and sacrificed, with a series of Remembrance events taking place across the Island.
The County Remembrance Service will take place in St Thomas Square, Newport, on Sunday 8th November, organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Civic Office in close collaboration with the Royal British Legion Newport and Carisbrooke Branch and Newport Minster. Newport Minster Holy Communion: A specific Remembrance service begins at 10:00 am at Newport Minster (St Thomas’ Square).
The Civic Processions (10:30 am – 10:50 am):
The Royal British Legion leads a full procession from Drill Hall Road starting at 10:30 am. Anyone wishing to lay a wreath should arrive early and make themselves known to the parade marshal.
Wightlink Offer
If you are travelling to the mainland for a Remembrance Event, then take advantage of the Wightlink Ferries free foot passenger travel being offered to Isle of Wight resident veterans – more about this offer here.
Havant and other local areas
Residents are being invited to memorial services and parades in the borough to mark Remembrance Sunday on 8th November.
The events in Gosport, Havant, Hayling Island, and Emsworth will commemorate those who have lost their lives in the two World Wars and other conflicts.
Gosport Ferry Free Travel
FREE travel is available on Sunday, 8 November for current or former service personnel (in uniform, wearing medals, or displaying a veteran’s badge) traveling between Gosport and Portsmouth for the services, courtesy of the Gosport Ferry.
VOS is here to support veterans from the UK Armed Forces service, the Merchant Navy, and their partners. If you know a veteran (from any time of service) located in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Fareham or the Solent area, please pass our details along.
If you’re a veteran or partner and are thinking about getting in touch, we would love to hear from you. Call us on 02392 731 767, visit one of our drop-ins, or email admin@vosuk.org.
Please note that VOS is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support, please contact one of the following:
- Your GP or NHS 111
- Attend A&E or call 999 for medical emergencies
- The Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- A trusted family member or friend
