The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance

The trouble with charity fundraisers tends to be the artists they attract – family-friendly, uncontroversial, safe. It’s as hard to think of blander ‘entertainers’ than James Blunt, Katie Melua and Alfie Boe as it is to argue with the credibility of the cause, as thousands gather at the Albert Hall tonight in remembrance of victims of combat and in support of the British Legion and its members.

Still, there’s nothing here to startle the Queen or cause presenter Huw Edwards to give his vocal chords more than their customary hushed workout. Military bands will strut their stuff as well, along with pop opera duo Jonathan and Charlotte and ‘service schoolgirls’ The Poppy Girls, while veterans and serving personnel also offer their recollections. If you like your remembrance services a little more traditional, coverage of the Cenotaph ceremony itself begins tomorrow at 10.20am on BBC1.