26 March 2025
D Day 80: Tribute to the Fallen wins Best Live Event
What have Coldplay, Martin Lewis and the CWGC got in common? Well, we were all shortlisted for Best Live Event by the prestigious Royal Television Society Awards – and we are delighted to announce that we won!
The RTS Awards are the gold standard of achievement in the television community. Each year their awards recognise excellence across the entire range of programme making and broadcasting skills.
CWGC’s live Vigil from Bayeux War Cemetery was a highlight of the D-Day 80 commemorations and a hugely powerful tribute to those who died to free Europe from the yolk of tyranny.
Celebrated comedian Tom Allen returned to host the ceremony this year, which was held on Tuesday 25th March at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Kenton Allen, Chair of the RTS Programme Awards, said:
“The calibre of programming from British creatives has not wavered in the last 12 months despite it being an incredibly challenging year for the television industry, with many of our colleagues feeling the effects of the rapidly changing ways audiences are viewing our exceptional work. This year’s nominations exemplify the breadth, creativity and quality of British television – from agenda-setting dramas, landmark documentaries, record-breaking comedies and so much more. We’re looking forward to coming together to celebrate the achievements of the incredible creatives both on and off screen, and recognising the huge achievements from the past year.”
Chief of Staff at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Peter Francis, said:
"I couldn’t be prouder of our incredible team for their vision, dedication, passion, and teamwork in bringing D-Day 80 to life. Winning the Royal Television Society Programme Award for Best Live Event from Bayeux War Cemetery is a testament to the hard work and commitment that made this moment truly special. Honoured to share this achievement with such a remarkable group, and my sincere thanks also to the BBC and Ministry of Defence for their belief and work in realising that vision."
VE Day and VJ Day 80
Winning this prestigious award is incredible news, and a real testament to our teams, partners and colleagues who worked together to create this amazing moment of commemoration.
We are already hard at work preparing for the 80th anniversary events for VE Day in May and VJ Day in August.
The first of many events, our commemorative concert at Coventry Cathedral has already been announced and tickets are on sale now. We’d love for you to join us and help us mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.