BBC to mark 100th anniversary of Passchendaele

Spanning two days, the commemoration programming will be presented and anchored by Kirsty Young from a BBC studio at The Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Tyne Cot Cemetery, near Ypres. Kirsty will be joined by broadcaster and historian David Olusoga in the studio, together with special guests, and Dan Snow will be bringing all the reaction to events and meeting those taking part.

Claire Popplewell, Editor of BBC Events, says: “One hundred years on the name Passchendaele remains synonymous with the inhuman conditions and bloody ferocity of one of the First World War's most horrific battles. On the 100th anniversary of this infamous battle, the BBC will broadcast a series of live commemoration programmes across both BBC One and BBC Two, with additional coverage on BBC Radio and BBC News, to remember all those who died in the Battle of Passchendaele."

The commemorations will begin on BBC Two on Sunday 30 July, with a special broadcast including the traditional Menin Gate ceremony followed by a dramatic event in the city’s Market Square. The imposing façade of the Cloth Hall will be illuminated with projections and lights, together with special live performances from artists including Dame Helen Mirren, Alfie Boe, War Horse, and the cast of The Wipers Time.

Every evening, the last post is played at the Menin Gate. The distinctive sounding of the bugle call remembers all the men who fought and fell fighting for the restoration of peace around Ypres during the First World War. On this evening, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the ceremony. TM The King and Queen of the Belgians will also be in attendance.

Following The Menin Gate ceremony, there will be a special event in Ypres Market Square. Presented in front of the historic Cloth Hall, this will be broadcast live on BBC Two and will feature music, stunning projections and live performances. In attendance, among an audience of thousands, will be TRH Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, TM The King and Queen of the Belgians and the British Prime Minister. Highlights of the evening will include performances by Dame Helen Mirren, the cast of The Wipers Times introduced by Ian Hislop, a specially written extract from War Horse narrated by Michael Morpurgo, a tri-service orchestra and the voices of the National Youth Choir of Scotland.

On Monday 31 July, there will be a live broadcast on BBC One of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Tyne Cot Cemetery commemorations marking the first day of the battle. Tyne Cot Cemetery is the largest British and Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. It also contains a memorial to the missing, acknowledging nearly 34,000 servicemen from the United Kingdom and New Zealand who died fighting in the Ypres Salient and whose graves are not known.

The Tyne Cot Cemetery commemorations will follow a traditional military ceremony of remembrance. Music, readings and veteran testimony will be delivered in the Cemetery. This event will be attended by HRH the Prince of Wales together with TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, TM the King and Queen of the Belgians, dignitaries, Belgium and British military and descendants. Highlights from the ceremony will broadcast on BBC Two the same evening.

Notes to Editors
The Passchendaele commemorations are produced by BBC Studios, the BBC’s main TV production arm. BBC Studios launched as commercial business in April 2017, able to make programmes for other UK and international broadcasters, as well as the BBC, to generate returns for licence fee payers.

Scheduling notes:

Sunday 30 July, BBC Two - World War One Remembered: Passchendaele For The Fallen

The broadcast will begin with the traditional Menin Gate ceremony. TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend, as well as TM The King and Queen of the Belgians. The Menin Gate ceremony will be followed by a special live event in Ypres Market Square. TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge together with TM The King and Queen of the Belgians and the British Prime Minister will be in attendance. Highlights in the Market Square to include: A tri-service orchestra, the National Youth Choir of Scotland, Dame Helen Mirren, Ian Hislop and the cast of The Wipers Times, an extract from War Horse narrated by Michael Morpurgo.

Monday 31 July, BBC One - World War One Remembered: Passchendaele In Flanders Fields

Live broadcast from The Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Tyne Cot Cemetery marking first day of the battle. The military ceremony will include music performance, readings and veteran testimony. This event will be attended by HRH The Prince of Wales together with TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, TM The King and Queen of the Belgians, VIPs and dignitaries, the Belgium and British military and descendants.

Monday 31 July, BBC Two - World War One Remembered: Passchendaele Highlights

Highlights of The Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Tyne Cot Cemetery event earlier that day.

RH