Today, London transforms into a sea of red as London Poppy Day takes over the city, marking the flagship event of the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.
This one-day collection brings together over 1,000 uniformed personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, alongside 1,000 additional veterans and volunteers, in a powerful display of unity to generate public support.
At Liverpool Street Station, six pipers and two dancers from the Halton Pipe Band have been delivering stirring performances to captivate commuters. Meanwhile at Marylebone Station, a nine-piece Street Brass Ensemble from the Band of the RAF Regiment are playing lively sets all day to draw in onlookers and encourage them to contribute to the appeal.
More than 250 volunteers from 18 different RAF units have joined colleagues from across the armed forces to make this day a success. This year’s event welcomes both first-time volunteers and many familiar faces who return annually, inspired by the RBL’s mission to support those currently serving and veterans
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, was also in attendance this morning and personally distributed poppies at Euston Station.
"I was proud to join veterans and serving personnel at Euston Rail Station today for London Poppy Day. Your donations make a huge difference, supporting those in our Armed Forces community who have served with honour, and their families, who now need our help."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff
Volunteers are collecting donations across 70 locations, with collections running from 7am to 7pm. But the Poppy Appeal is not just about today. RAF personnel will continue to volunteer alongside RBL supporters across the nation in the coming weeks.
In Scotland, Air Cadets and staff from 102 Squadron and 107 Squadron have already spent time at Aberdeen Airport selling poppies alongside British Airways personnel. Meanwhile in Southam, Warwickshire, 2028 Squadron popped into their local Tesco to help with collections, rotating from 9am to 4pm.
Remembrance events will culminate on Sunday 10th November with RAF personnel taking place in parades, ceremonies and commemorations at home and abroad.
