Somme 110
1st JULY 2026
We commemorate the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
Please note this year 2026 the service starts 1200hrs, limited seating is available and we recommend you are seated no later than 1130hrs.
A security area will be enforced by the Gendarme, no private vehicles, motor cycles, bicycles or pedestrians will be allowed within the security area or events.
All attendees will need to pre register using the link below.
On the 1st July all attendees must attend Méaulte Airport ( Co-ord 49°58'12"N 002°41'33"E) located 2 miles (4Km) from Albert.
The airport security park and ride will be open from 0730hrs, the first bus will depart at 0830hrs.
Once at the airport you will be directed to your relevant car park, you will then walk through a bag search area, issued a wrist band for the Thiepval event and you be transported (free of charge) to and from the Thiepval memorial.
Once at Thiepval, you will find a living history collection of WW1 replica Tank and historical vehicles on display, the Thiepval visitors centre, and refreshment areas where you can purchase food and drinks.
You will be required to be seated no later than 1130hrs, for the introduction and music by the 'Orchestre du Amiens', and singing by Emma Brown.
The service will commence at 1200hrs and conclude at 1245hrs.
At the the conclusion of the service a WW1 replica aircraft will drop notes upon which are poems written by British French and German Children, each note is impregnated with seeds of poppies, cornflower and forget-me-knots, the remembrance flowers of Britain France and Germany. You are encouraged to take these home and plant them in remembrance.
Please bare in mind the departure from Thiepval will require same patience, as priority will be given to those proceeding to the Beaumont Hamel afternoon service.
Please be aware the 1st July often blesses us with wind, rain or extreme sunshine.
Tour and private coach groups should contact [email protected] for detailed instructions.
This is a free to attend ticketed event, if you wish to attend, please register here.
If you have any questions, please contact our branch secretary at [email protected]
30th June 2026
On the 30th June each year we hold the Somme Dinner at the Royal Picardie Hotel
for tickets please contact the branch secretary at [email protected]
open to all.
Dates for 2026
14TH May 2026
Open Garden and Book sale, Mailly Maillet
Mailly Maillet will be hosting their annual brocante and we invite you join us in our garden for a coffee, cake and hopefully a bag full of books to take home.
30th JUNE
Somme Gala dinner, Royal hotel Picardie, Albert France
19.30Hrs, contact Janice [email protected] for booking and payment details.
1st July
The Royal British Legion Somme Branch with the assistance of the British Embassy Paris, hold a service of Remembrance at the CWGC Thiepval Memorial to commemorate the First day of the 1916 Battle of the Somme.
10th NOVEMBER
Sing-along supper
Cafe Bar, 2 rue Bourg, 80560, Bertrancourt
19hrs, contact Janice [email protected] for booking and payment details
11th November
The Somme Branch hold a Service of Remembrance at the CWCG Thiepval Memorial.
All are welcome to attend.
The service commences at 10.40am. RBL Branch's and service organisations Standards are welcome to attend, please arrive before 10.20 to present yourself.
Attendees are advised that there is no seating provided at this event and very limited parking so early arrival
is suggested.
Any Standard bearers wishing to attend our remembrance Ceremonies are very welcome to participate, please contact the Somme secretary for more information.
