Royal Festival Of Remembrance

Ann | 16:28 Sun 09th Nov 2014 | ChatterBank

23 Answers

I can't see another thread on this from last night.

I just have to comment how really moving it all was this year, especially the song from Jim Radford the 85 year old, who sang a beautiful song about the shores of Normandy. And the other war veteran with him, over 100 years old who had a wonderful strong loud voice when reading out the scripted words.

Did anyone else think there were not as many "poppies" falling onto the servicemen and women as usual, this year? They are all usually covered in the red petals .....

The only part of the whole evening I didn't like was the Joss Stone and Jeff Beck song - I couldn't hear a word she was singing, but perhaps it was just me, I don't like her voice - too overpowering and a bit raucous for a solemn evening like that.

Sunday Lunch At The Pub With Friends

Happy Birthday Andy-Hughes

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gness

Hi, Ann.....beautiful and so moving......

Highlight for me was War Horse....and of course Jim Radford....but Joss Stone ruined one of my favourite songs......the words are wonderful but you'd have to know them to have heard them last night.

I thought fewer poppy petals too.....

It made me wonder if other countries commemorate their war dead with such thought and dignity.....x

ChillDoubt

Not seen it yet, will catch it later on iPlayer.
As ever, there won't be a dry eye in the house when the ladies and gents from the Royal Hospital Chelsea are introduced.

Mamyalynne

I think the balance was good though agree re Joss Stone - War Horse got me too very impressive and over all a wonderful tribute.

Ann

Question Author

O yes Gness, I forgot about the War Horse song, that was really lovely! I have never seen it as I am always worried it would be much too sad for me! but I notice the film is on TV next Sunday 16th, so I really must watch it!

Ann

Question Author

... and all the different nationalities of service personnel at the end of the programme declaring friendship and peace - a very moving tribute.

gness

Ann.....I haven't seen the film...but the stage production of War Horse is a must.....and a three times must for me....

It's brilliant....emotional.....heart wrenching and joyous....but not sad because it's so well written and performed.....x

Ann

Question Author

Here is Jim Radford singing the same song he has written himself (he's a folk singer) at the 70th Anniversary of the D Day landings earlier this year - the performance last night isn't on YouTube yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsVQMfxIfks

ChillDoubt

Ann.....I haven't seen the film...but the stage production of War Horse is a must.....and a three times must for me....
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It's a must-see, if only for the scene and the music composed by John Williams for the reunion part. Blubbed like a baby!

ChillDoubt

The first minute and a half still makes my spine tingle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNzcl2k1NJ8

corylus

I have to steel myself to watch this, can somebody please upload Pete Seeger's song 'Where Have All the Flowers Gone?' That just epitomises the futility of war.