National Alternative Remembrance Ceremony - London

The National Alternative Remembrance Ceremony happens every year in front of the memorial stone for conscientious objectors.

Following speeches and two minutes' silence, white poppy wreaths will be laid on the memorial in memory of all victims of war, both civilian and military, and to reaffirm a commitment to peace.

With speakers including...

• Tom Donnelly from Every Casualty Counts, a charity dedicated to ensuring every life lost in armed conflict is recorded and recognised. With over twenty years' experience in peacebuilding and conflict transformation with NGOs such as Oxfam, Saferworld and the American Friends Service Committee, Tom has supported local peacebuilders in war zones including Afghanistan, Myanmar and Sudan.
• Phineas Harper - writer, sculptor, broadcaster and prominent white poppy wearer. A regular contributor to the Guardian, they were previously Chief Executive of the charity Open City and chair of the Design Council Homes Taskforce. They serve on the board of the 20th Century Society and were formerly a trustee of Woodcraft Folk.
• Nelufar Hedayat - Emmy Award-winning Afghan-British journalist, producer, director and presenter. Born in Kabul and arriving in the UK as a child refugee, Nelufar has reported from war zones, directed documentaries on global trafficking networks and the climate crisis, and hosted podcasts on war and culture.
• Hosted by PPU member Kate Smurthwaite - feminist activist, comedian and writer. Kate performs all over the UK and internationally, and stars in the News at Kate video series. She has worked with asylum seekers through Women For Refugee Women and Women Asylum Seekers Together.

When - 12 noon - 1pm, Remembrance Sunday 8th November 2026

Where - Tavistock Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1H 9EU

All welcome - no need to book.

Afterwards - Shortly after the event, Movement for the Abolition of War's annual Remembrance Lecture will be given by Rowan Williams (3pm), just around the corner from the National Alternative Remembrance Ceremony.