Thousands of serving personnel, veterans and cadets gather in capital for London Poppy Day

· Forces News
Thousands of serving personnel, cadets, and veterans took over London's railway and underground stations...
...for the annual Royal British Legion's London Poppy Day
The one-day fundraising events see collection stalls assembled in the capital
Proceeds support serving personnel, veterans, and their families
Fundraisers this year included Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Harv Smyth who joined RAF personnel at Waterloo Station
Veterans and People Minister Calvin Bailey raised proceeds just behind the head of the RAF
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting joined serving personnel from RAF Northolt at Charing Cross Station
And Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard helped launch the event at Victoria Station
Man's best friend also gave a helping hand – or paw
Along with the donation stalls, military bands and choirs have been performing, including the Band of the Grenadier Guards
Last year, the one-day event raised more than £1.47m

Thousands of serving personnel, cadets, and veterans from across all branches of the UK Armed Forces have taken over London's railway and underground stations as London Poppy Day celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Organised by the Royal British Legion (RBL), the one-day fundraising events see collection stalls assembled in the capital, with proceeds supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

Among the fundraisers this year were Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Harv Smyth, who joined RAF personnel at Waterloo Station, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, and Veterans and People Minister Calvin Bailey.

The flagship event of the RBL's annual Poppy Appeal, the charity said London Poppy Day goes "beyond fundraising", creating and strengthening positive associations between the Armed Forces community and the public.

Along with the donation stalls, military bands and choirs have been performing at stations across London, including Waterloo, Liverpool Street, Euston and London Bridge.

Throughout the day, commuters also heard a specially recorded tannoy announcement from award-winning singer and musical theatre star Dame Elaine Paige, inviting them to get involved.

Lucy Inskip, the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal director, said: "Every poppy worn and every donation given helps us be there for the Armed Forces community, from serving personnel and veterans to the loved ones who share the challenges and sacrifices of service.

"As London Poppy Day marks its 20th anniversary, I hope people across the capital will get involved, enjoying the various military bands and choirs performing across major stations across London and give what they can."

In 2025, the event raised £1.478m for the RBL's Poppy Appeal, helping fund life-changing support for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

All images courtesy of the MOD.