Somme 110: Commemorating the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

Important information about registration and attendance

The 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme  will be marked with a Royal British Legion commemorative ceremony at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Thiepval Memorial. 

• Where: Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, France 
• When: Wednesday 1 July 2026 – 12h00 (local time) 

Attendance and Registration 

• The service begins at 12:00 local time, and no arrivals will be accepted after 11:15 
• Seating is limited 

All attendees will need to pre-register using this link:

Register to attend this free event

Please note: 

Journalists, crews and photographers must request accreditation by June, 25th the latest via Pref-communication@somme.gouv.fr.

Accredited media will be provided clear instructions but they must park at Amiens-Méaultes Airport in Albert (VIP Car Park) and arrive in time to take the dedicated media shuttle to Thiepval at 09h30 that will leave from the VIP car park. On arrival, equipment will need to be security checked and any interviews need to take place before the ceremony, owing to schedule constraints these will not be possible after the ceremonies.

Owing to logistics and movements in the area, is only possible to attend two ceremonies, at accreditation you will have to choose Thiepval/Ulster Tower or Thiepval/Beaumont Hamel.

Arrival, Security and Transport 

A security area will be in force on the Somme:

• No private vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians will be allowed within the security area  
• You must pre-register using the link above 
• Once you have pre-registered arrival is via the Park and Ride facility at Méaulte Airport, which is approximately 4km (2 miles) from Albert 

Upon arrival at the Park and Ride facility: 

• You will be directed to the appropriate car park 
• Bag searches will be conducted, and you will receive a wristband that is required for event entry 
• Free shuttle buses will transport you to and from the Thiepval Memorial 
• Park and Ride opening time: 07:30 
• First shuttle bus departs: 08:30 

At Thiepval 

On arrival at Thiepval, attendees will be able to visit and experience: 

• The Thiepval Visitor Centre 
• Living history displays, including First World War replica tanks and vehicles 
• Refreshment areas, where food and drinks may be purchased 

By 11h30, all attendees should be seated for: 

• Musical introduction by the Orchestre d’Amiens 
• Singing by Emma Brown

The Ceremony 

• Service begins at 12:00, and concludes at approximately 12:45 

At the close of the ceremony, a WW1 replica aircraft will release commemorative notes featuring poems by British, French and German children.

The paper contains seeds of poppies, cornflowers and forget‑me‑nots: the remembrance flowers of Britain, France and Germany.  Attendees are warmly encouraged to take these home and plant them in remembrance. 

Departing Thiepval 

Return travel will operate via the same shuttle system 

Priority will be given to those travelling on the Beaumont-Hamel commemorations, so some waiting time may be required.

Practical Advice 

Weather in the Somme can be unpredictable in early July. Please check the forecast and come prepared for wind, rain or strong sunshine, and wear suitable clothing and footwear. 

Group Travel 

Tour groups or private coach parties should contact the Royal British Legion for detailed instructions: Somme.secretary@rbl.community