Armistice Day: What is it about and when will the two-minute silence be held?

10 November 2022, 14:29 | Updated: 10 November 2022, 14:57

Armistice Day marks the signing of the armistice in 1918
Armistice Day marks the signing of the armistice in 1918. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, celebrates its 104th anniversary this year.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The occasion marks the signing of the armistice in 1918 - an agreement that saw the end of fighting in the First World War - ahead of negotiations.

It will be followed two days later by Remembrance Sunday, which will fall on November 13, with an annual two-minute silence set to take place.

The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in London
The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in London. Picture: Alamy

What time is the two-minute silence?

The silence will take place at 11am on Friday, marking the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Another two-minute silence also takes place at the same time (11am) on Remembrance Sunday.

Why do we hold a two-minute silence?

The event is held to remember those in the UK and Commonwealth who have served in the armed forces since 1914 as well as their families.

It celebrates the vital role they played, both serving and sacrificing themselves for the country.

Read more: Kate Middleton gives boy her poppy in sweet moment during visit to London children's centre

Read more: RAF Cadets warned Remembrance Sunday parade could break the law as police scrap 'gesture of goodwill'

British troops during World War I
British troops during World War I. Picture: Alamy

What events are taking place to mark the occasion?

On Armistice Day, the National Memorial Arboretum is set to broadcast an annual Service of Remembrance, live from the Armed Forces Memorial.

Then, on Remembrance Sunday, the National Service of Remembrance is being held at the Cenotaph in London.

This year's service is significant as it is the first led by Charles as King.

Despite hoping to go last year, the Queen was unable to make an appearance on health grounds, meaning Charles laid a wreath as the most senior royal attending.

Members of the Cabinet, former Prime Ministers, the Mayor of London and other ministers are expected to attend this year.

There will also be a March Past involving 10,000 veterans.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

M&S chief Stuart Machin is reportedly facing a £1m pay cut after cyberattack

The £300m cyber attack: M&S warns of huge hit to profits after hack halted orders on website and caused empty shelves

Breaking
The Bank of England, London, UK

UK inflation rate soars to 3.5% in year to 'Awful April' - driven by sharp rises in household bills

Lewis Jack

'You'll never be forgotten': Scottish tourist, 22, found dead in Australia after vanishing near popular tourist beach

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows a damaged school bus at the explosion site in southwest Pakistan's Khuzdar on Jan. 26, 2025.

Suicide car bomb rams into school bus in Pakistan, killing four children and injuring 38 in ‘terrorist attack'

Exclusive
Dame Vera Baird

Women who commit 'minor crimes' should have criminal records wiped, former victims' commissioner tells LBC

A vaccine for gonorrhoea will be rolled out in England as part of a world-first programme, officials have announced.

'Landmark moment': First-ever gonorrhoea vaccination campaign begins in England amid drug-resistance fears

University of Bristol physics student Natasha Abrahart, 20, was found dead in her flat in April 2018.

Bereaved families of university students ‘excluded’ from suicide review process

colored x-rays of cerebral cortex cerebellum human brain MRI

‘Game changer’ brain tumour test set to improve care for patients

People queueing at ePassprt gates, Manchester airport

Britons will be denied use of e-gates across EU until October at earliest despite Brexit reset deal

Hannah has given fans a glimpse into her new life

Hannah Spearritt gives fans glimpse into life after S Club 7 as she becomes 'survivalist and prepper' in American jungle

A 'professional group of travelling burglars' broke into Newcastle striker Alexander Isak's home and stole his car, jewellery worth £68,000 and up to £10,000 in cash, a court has heard.

Alexander Isak shares emotional statement as family of 'professional burglars' who targeted his home are jailed

At least three dead and two missing after 'violent' thunderstorms trigger heavy flooding in French Riviera

At least three dead and two missing after 'violent' thunderstorms trigger heavy flooding in French Riviera

George Wendt

Tributes pour in after Cheers icon George Wendt, best known for his role as Norm Peterson, dies aged 76

A British Bulldog Sat on a Union Jack Rug

British bulldog considered a 'status symbol' as pet becomes Britain's most expensive dog breed

A spokesperson for the British actor said on Tuesday that the screen legend died from heart failure

Coronation Street and Doctor Who star Michael McStay dies aged 92

The Home Office UK Visas & Immigration Office at Lunar House in Croydon, London, UK.

Iraqi asylum seeker avoids deportation after asking for 'time to make up a reason' to stay