Thousands of volunteers joined the anniversary appeal across London, with Dame Elaine Paige providing special announcements on the capital’s transport network.
London’s buses and trains have been decorated with poppies as the capital marked the 20th anniversary of London Poppy Day on Thursday (29 October).
More than 2,500 volunteers were expected to support the annual fundraising appeal, including serving personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.
Transport for London (TfL) supported collections at around 50 Underground, Elizabeth line and National Rail stations, with donations being gathered between 7am and 7pm.
Special poppy designs were displayed on buses, trains and London Cable Car cabins, while commemorative roundels appeared at selected stations across the network.
These included Underground stations at Baker Street, London Bridge, Westminster and Canary Wharf, alongside bus stations at Hammersmith, Harrow, Turnpike Lane and Vauxhall.
Image: TfL
Singer and actress Dame Elaine Paige also recorded special announcements encouraging passengers to donate to the Poppy Appeal. Comedian Jo Brand delivered similar announcements for last year’s event.
Image: TfL
Military bands and choirs also performed at stations including Waterloo, Liverpool Street, Euston and London Bridge, according to Forces News.
The charity hoped to surpass the £1.478 million raised during last year’s London Poppy Day, which exceeded its original £1 million fundraising target.
The event has grown considerably since it began in 2006, when just 10 volunteers raised £500. It is now described by the Royal British Legion as the largest cash street collection of its kind in Europe.
London’s Transport Commissioner Andy Lord said: “We are immensely proud to have supported the Royal British Legion over the past twenty years to help raise tens of millions to support the Armed Forces community, past and present, through London Poppy Day.”
Money raised through the Poppy Appeal supports serving personnel, veterans and their families, including access to physical and mental health services, financial assistance and employment advice.
TfL will also observe a two-minute silence across London’s transport network at 11am on Armistice Day, Wednesday 11 November, to remember those who lost their lives in conflict.
