In honour of VE Day's 75th anniversary, the BBC is airing a full week of Remembrance Day programming dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Second World War.

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Today's Remembrance Sunday coverage, presented by David Dimbleby live at the Cenotaph, will see members of the Royal Family, the Government, veterans and Armed Forces gather for a two-minute silence at 11am, while later in the week, Westminster Abbey will host a ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the Unknown Warrior's burial.

The BBC will be airing Remembrance Week specials across its television channels and radio stations to bring the nation together in reflection despite the current lockdown.

Tim Davie, BBC’s Director General, said: "I am proud of the role the BBC plays every year in marking Remembrance. This year is particularly significant, as we gather remotely to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and pay tribute to their lives."

Here is the Remembrance Week schedule in full.

Remembrance Day TV schedule

Sunday 8th November

Remembrance Sunday: The Cenotaph at 10:15am on BBC One

David Dimbleby will present live coverage from the Cenotaph, where members of the Royal Family, the Government, veterans and the Armed Forces will gather for the National Service of Remembrance.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the usual format has been adapted, with organisers asking that spectators watch from home and the March Past replaced by a contingent of veterans representing the thousands who would normally take part.

There will be a two-minute silence at 11am, followed by the wreath laying in remembrance of those who died in service to their country.

Wednesday 11th November

Unknown Warrior 100 at 10:30am on BBC One (highlights at 7pm on BBC Two)

Huw Edwards will present coverage of this event from Westminster Abbey, marking the 100th anniversary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior.

The ceremony will include singing by the Abbey Choir, an Address by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and a performance of the hymn Abide With Me sung by Ruby Turner.

Remembrance Day Radio schedule

Saturday 7th November

Festival of Remembrance at 8pm on BBC Radio 2

Paddy O'Connell will lead highlights from The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, with guests from music, television, film and military worlds discussing the honour it is to be involved in this annual event.

Sunday 8th November

Ceremony of Remembrance from the Cenotaph at 10:30am on BBC Radio 4

Paddy O'Connell will lead BBC Radio 4's coverage of the ceremony.

Monday 9th November

An Unknown Warrior at 9:45am on BBC Radio 4

Continues daily until Friday 13th November

This five-part factual series will tell the story of how an unknown warrior was buried in Westminster Abbey on Armistice Day 1920, amid a troubled and sombre time for Britain.

In the years following the end of World War I, bodies were still being exhumed from battlefields in Europe and the government had decided that none were to be returned to their families.

As a result, the Unknown Warrior became a symbol of the nation's grief and gratitude, one body to stand for the many that never made it home.

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If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide.

Authors

David Craig
David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

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