City Hall's Remembrance Service on Friday marked 110 years since the Somme. Lewisham's two services start at 10.55am on Sunday 8 November at its war memorials.

City Hall held its annual Remembrance Service on Friday 6 November, marking 110 years since the Battle of the Somme. Lewisham’s own services follow on Sunday 8 November: both start at 10.55am, at the Lewisham War Memorial on Lewisham High Street and the Deptford War Memorial on Lewisham Way, with the silence at 11am. Times, parking and the parade details are on our Lewisham Remembrance Sunday page.

At City Hall, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and the Chair of the London Assembly, Andrew Boff AM, gave readings and laid wreaths, the Mayor’s press office said (London City Hall). The service is held with the London Assembly and the City Hall Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Four anniversaries in one service

As well as remembering the dead of the two World Wars, the 2026 service marked:

  • 110 years since the Battle of the Somme
  • 35 years since the Gulf War
  • 30 years since the end of operations in Bosnia
  • 15 years since the end of Operation Telic in Iraq

The Rt Revd Lynne Cullens, Bishop of Barking, led it. Representatives of the Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish and Humanist communities gave readings and prayers, and the London International Gospel Choir provided the music.

Who was there

The Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Alastair King, laid a wreath, as did senior representatives of the Armed Forces, the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, the British Red Cross, the Royal British Legion and London Councils, among other organisations.

London borough mayors and leaders were among the guests, along with serving personnel, veterans, cadets, reservists, current and former Assembly Members and Greater London Authority staff. The press office did not say which boroughs were represented, so it is not known whether Lewisham sent anyone.

What the Mayor and the Assembly Chair said

Sadiq Khan said: “Our annual Remembrance Service provides an important opportunity to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of all those who have served our country. Together we remember how they have given their lives to defend our freedom and how our brave servicemen and women continue to stand up for everything that we believe in.

“This year, we reflect on the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and those that fought courageously in the Gulf War, Bosnia and Iraq. We must never take for granted the freedoms that we enjoy and the debt that we owe to all those who fought to protect us, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

Andrew Boff said: “Remembrance Day is a time to honour those who gave their lives in service to our country, and to reflect on the countless lives lost and forever changed by conflict around the world.

“As we remember their courage and sacrifice, we also reaffirm our commitment to peace, stand against the horrors of war and genocide, and recognise the suffering endured by innocent civilians.

“The London Assembly joins people across our city in paying tribute to all those who have served, and those who continue to serve today. We owe it to their memory, and to future generations, to strive for a world in which peace triumphs over conflict.”

What it means for you: Remembrance Sunday in Lewisham

Lewisham Council runs two civic services at the same time, so pick one before you set off (Lewisham Council):

Service Where Starts Ends
Lewisham civic service Lewisham War Memorial, Lewisham High Street, opposite Lewisham Hospital 10.55am about 11.40am
Deptford civic service Deptford War Memorial, corner of Lewisham Way and Upper Brockley Road 10.55am about 11.40am

The Lewisham service is led by Fr David Adamson-Hill of St Mary the Virgin, Lewisham, with a parade of local armed forces groups before and after it. Both services include a wreath-laying, order of service sheets are handed out, and neither site is sheltered, so dress for the weather. The council’s Civic Events Team answers questions, including on access, at CivicEvents@lewisham.gov.uk.

Armistice Day is Wednesday 11 November, with the two-minute silence again at 11am.

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