The Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance 2026 was hosted by Clive Myrie
Alfie Boe wowed BBC Festival of Remembrance viewers(Image: BBC)
BBC viewers were left divided on Saturday night by singer Alfie Boe’s performance.
The singer took to the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where senior members of the Royal Family joined veterans, serving personnel and their families.
The BBC event, hosted by Clive Myrie, also left viewers in tears following performances by Alfie Boe, James Emmanuel, Mica Paris, Rita Wilson, and Tom Odell, alongside stirring sets from The Band of The Royal Air Force Regiment and The Bands of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth and Collingwood.
However, just minutes into Alfie’s rendition of Run, BBC viewers were left divided, and while some were moved, others felt the original version was better.
“Alfie Boe never fails to deliver exceptional,” one fan praised, as another agreed, “Alfie Boe is phenomenal. I don’t know a voice like his. That Run performance was beautiful. My favourite singer.”
Someone else added, “I was already struggling to hold back the tears, and then Alfie Boe sang Run. What a voice, what a performance. We are all united in thinking of those who never made it home and the families they left behind.”
However, not all viewers shared the same views, as one said, “No need to shout Alfie Boe.”
Another commented, “I like Alfie Boe…. But only Snow Patrol can sing this song sorry,” as another fan echoed, “Agreed 100%.”
The BBC will also continue its coverage on Sunday as Sophie Raworth and Petroc Trelawny present live coverage from London as members of the Royal Family lead the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph.
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Senior members of the Royal Family will be joined on Whitehall by leading UK politicians, alongside representatives of the armed forces, the Commonwealth, and faith communities, for the two-minute silence at 11 o’clock and the National Service of Remembrance.
This is followed by the annual wreath-laying and the historic march past of 10 000 veterans as the nation remembers all those who have died serving their country.
The BBC’s Festival of Remembrance is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.