For nine nights in November, including Remembrance Day, the Tower of London will be illuminated with an immersive sound and light show to commemorate the First and Second World Wars.

Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for the Tower of London, has partnered with Luxmuralis, an artistic collaboration between artist and sculptor Peter Walker and composer David Harper, to present Poppy Fields at the Tower, a light and sound show incorporating artwork which reflects on the two World Wars.

Visitors are invited inside the fortress for the evening experience, where the inner walls of the Tower will be illuminated with historic photographs, documents and artwork, accompanied by music composed by David Harper and poetry recordings.  

Recalling the 2014 display Bloodswept Lands and Seas of Red in the Tower of London moat, which marked the centenary of the First World War, the architecture inside the Tower of London will be illuminated by images of tumbling poppies. For the first time, the display has been exclusively adapted to include images from the archives of both Historic Royal Palaces and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, showing documents, photographs and plans from the Tower of London during wartime alongside iconic imagery from the period.  

Poppy Fields at the Tower will create space for visitors to remember those who lost their lives in past conflicts, reflecting on the tragedy of the past and what it means to us today, but will also look forward with a message of hope for the future. 

Visitors will be granted special access to see the Crown Jewels after-hours during the display, for a chance to experience the striking collection without the usual crowds and to learn more about their removal from the Tower during both World Wars. 

The Tower of London played an important role in the First and Second World Wars, returning to its former role as a military store, barracks and prison. From training recruits and digging for victory in the Tower moat, to guarding infamous Nazi prisoners of war, and serving as the location for the executions of 12 foreign spies by firing squad.

The Tower of London suffered heavy aerial bombardment during the Blitz alongside the rest of the East End of London, causing huge damage to the historic buildings, some of which is still visible today. The military connections at the Tower of London continue to this day, with the 35 Yeoman Warders working there all having been Warrant Officers or Senior Non-Commissioned Officers with a minimum of 22 years’ service in the Armed Forces.  

Brigadier Andrew Jackson, Governor of the Tower of London, said: “The Tower of London is a living fortress with a proud military history that spans the centuries. We hope that Poppy Fields at the Tower will provide a space for reflection on the sacrifices of those who served in the First and Second World Wars and more recently, as well as exploring our collective desire for the peaceful resolution of current conflicts around the world.” 

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, added: “The Tower of London is one of the capital’s most iconic buildings and it is sure to provide an evocative backdrop for this remarkable immersive experience, which will commemorate the First and Second World Wars.”

Poppy Fields at the Tower takes place inside the Inner Ward of the Tower of London from 8 – 16 November 2024 and requires an additional pre-booked ticket.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made trip to London this autumn, including a visit to Poppy Fields at the Tower, please do contact our friendly team today.

All photos © Historic Royal Palaces.