This Thursday 25 April is Anzac Day – the annual commemoration of the tragic First World War Gallipoli landings by Australian and New Zealand forces. Dawn Services to mark the day are held across Australia and around the world. One of the most heavily attended is at Hyde Park Corner in London which usually attracts around 3,000 people.
This year’s Anzac Day Dawn Service in London is taking place at the Australian memorial (alternating each year with the New Zealand memorial). It’s a solemn coming together of Aussie and Kiwi expats, as well as others, in a unified ceremony of remembrance.
The Dawn Service will commence at 5am and is open to all.
Later in the morning there is also a moving Anzac Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph followed by a Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey. Both of these events a ticketed though, to avoid over crowding. If you haven’t already got tickets for these, unfortunately you won’t gain admission.
Get on down to the Dawn Service if you can, to pay your respects to young Australians and New Zealanders who also travelled far from home, but never returned.
Lest we forget.
5.00 AM: Dawn Service (non-ticketed event)
Location: Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park Corner
The main service will take place at the Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park Corner. The service will be approximately 45 minutes in length and is open to the public.
11.00 AM: Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade
Location: The Cenotaph, Whitehall
Following a march onto Whitehall, a requiem is read and at 11:00 AM, the High Commissioners for Australia and New Zealand will lay the first wreaths. Wreaths are then laid by representatives of the UK government, High Commissioners and Ambassadors, as well as representatives from various service and ex-service organisations. The service will conclude at approximately 11:15 AM, allowing time for the short walk to Westminster Abbey.
12.00 PM: Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving
Location: Westminster Abbey
The Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark ANZAC Day commences at 12:00 noon. The service will last approximately one hour.
Ticket applications for ANZAC day services at The Cenotaph and Westminster have now closed. Only guests that are in possession of a valid ticket will be granted admittance.
For more information see the Australian High Commission website