In London, Commonwealth Day 2023 will be celebrated with a multicultural, multi-faith Service held at Westminster Abbey. This public event, live broadcast by the BBC, celebrates the unity, diversity, and linkages of the modern Commonwealth of Nations. It seeks to foster greater understanding of the Commonwealth’s achievements and role, particularly amongst its young people who comprise over 60% of its population.

Centred on the Commonwealth theme of ‘Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future’, the Service features a vibrant mixture of testimonies, performances, and readings from different parts of the Commonwealth. The event will also feature a procession of young flag bearers representing each of the 56 nations of the Commonwealth. Earlier in the day there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Commonwealth Memorial Gates, and a flag-raising event for the Commonwealth Flag for Peace.

The service is attended by HM King Charles III as Head of the Commonwealth, senior members of the Royal Family, the Commonwealth Secretary General, members of the Diplomatic Corps, UK Prime Minister and representatives of UK Government and Opposition, representatives from Commonwealth accredited organisations and UK school children.

Attendance is by invitation only.

The event will be broadcast live from Westminster Abbey on BBC One at 2.15pm BST, in the programme: ‘A Celebration for Commonwealth Day.’

If you are outside of the UK, the service will be available to watch on the BBC’s YouTube channel.