Remembrance Day 2021: Poppy makeover on Tube and Overground stations

Remembrance Day is being marked in London with more than 3,000 volunteers, including officers from the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, collecting donations across several tube stations.

After fundraising was put on hold due to restrictions during the pandemic, Transport for London (TfL) has partnered with the British Royal Legion to support their fundraising, with collections at 50 stations across the capital.

Former Eastenders star Ross Kemp kicked off fundraising efforts at Liverpool Street station on London Poppy Day last week (November 4), before recording an announcement that will be played at Tube stations calling for passengers to donate generously.

All of the money raised will support members and veterans of the armed services, as well as their families and dependents.

The iconic Tube roundels have been replaced with the iconic poppy symbol at 10 Underground stations including London Bridge and Kings Cross and at 14 Overground stations including Dalston Junction and West Croydon.

Giant poppies are also visible on six specially wrapped London buses travelling to and from stations like Victoria and Vauxhall.

Andy Lord, managing director of London Underground, said: “TfL has a longstanding relationship with the Royal British Legion, and we are extremely proud to support their fundraising for veterans, serving personnel and their families.

“We had to reduce charity collections in our stations last year due to lockdown restrictions, so we’re happy to welcome back RBL volunteers into our stations for the Poppy Appeal and help raise money for this incredible charity.”

Gary Ryan, director of marketing, fundraising and remembrance at the RBL, said: “This year, as we mark the RBL’s centenary, we are very grateful to once again have the unwavering support of TfL for our annual Poppy Appeal.

"It is great to see the range of activity from poppy roundels at stations to the hundreds of Armed Forces collectors who returned to stations across the network for this year’s London Poppy Day.

“We are proud to partner with TfL because they support us to ensure every poppy counts.

"In our 100th year, we are very thankful to our network of volunteers, members, fundraisers and partner organisations, like TfL, who share our passion for bringing people together to support, commemorate and celebrate our armed forces community.”

The Duchess of Cornwall also made a visit to the new Poppy Factory in Richmond-upon-Thames, south-west London this week, where she added the final touches to the Prince of Wales’ Remembrance Day wreath.

Camilla today visited the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey to commemorate Armistice Day.

Prince Charles and Camilla will be among the senior royals to attend the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday at the Royal Albert Hall, and they are expected to be present for the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.