Anzac Day 2026

Every year on Anzac Day, Australia honours all those who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The date commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25 April 1915, and the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux, which took place here in the Somme three years later.

The Dawn Service

The Anzac Day Dawn Service was held at the foot of the Australian National Memorial near Villers-Bretonneux. The service took place in the presence of several distinguished guests, including the Australian Ambassador to France, Her Excellency Ms Lynette Wood; the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the OECD, His Excellency Mr Stephen Jones; Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, Chief of Joint Capabilities; Mr Rollon Mouchel-Blaisot, Prefect of the Somme; and Major-General Anne-Cécile Orteman, General Officer of the Northern Defence and Security Zone.

Despite the cold weather, more than 2,500 people attended the service to pay their respects. Here are some highlights from this moving service.

An Australian Army soldier playing the didgeridoo at the foot of the Australian National Memorial. — The Anzac Day Dawn Service began with the sound of the yidaki, played this year by Warrant Officer Lachlan Youll. © Australian Department of Defence

The Australian Army Band performing at the foot of the Australian National Memorial during the Dawn Service. — The Australian Army Band provided the music during the the Anzac Day commemorations in France. ©Australian Department of Defence

Lieutenant Colonel Geoff Godkin during the Dawn Service. — Lieutenant Colonel Geoff Godkin was Master of Ceremonies for the service. ©Australian Department of Defence

Official guests seated during the Dawn Service. — More than 2,500 people gathered in the early morning to attend the service. ©Australian Department of Defence

The Prefect of the Somme delivering his address during the Dawn Service. — French and Australian representatives successively delivered their addresses, recalling the strong ties of Franco-Australian friendship.

Wreath bearers presenting a floral tribute to Lieutenant General Susan Coyle. — ©Australian Department of Defence

Four Australian Armed Forces wreath bearers walking towards the memorial.

Three Australian soldiers standing before the Australian National Memorial at the end of the service. — The Dawn Service concluded at sunrise. ©Australian Department of Defence

The Digger Service

Bullecourt is located north of Villers-Bretonneux in the Pas-de-Calais. This small town was the theatre of two battles involving troops of the Australian Imperial Force in 1917. Each year in honour of the troops that fought here, the town of Bullecourt and the Australian Government pay tribute to Australia’s servicemen and women that have served since
the First World War.

The procession making its way from Bullecourt towards the Digger Memorial. — The Digger Service is preceded by a large procession from the centre of Bullecourt to the Digger Memorial.

As protocol dictates, the beginning of the service is marked by the arrival of the numerous local French porte-drapeaux. — As protocol dictates, the beginning of the ceremony is marked by the arrival of the French porte-drapeaux.

Members of the public gathered in front of the Digger Memorial at the start of the service.

The Yidaki performance at the start of the Digger Service in Bullecourt. — As with the Dawn Service, the Digger Service began with a Yidaki performance WO 2 Lachlan Youll.

The official delegation standing during the Digger Ceremony. — This year, the official delegation included Her Excellency Ms Lynette Wood, Australian Ambassador to France; His Excellency Mr Stephen Jones, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the OECD ; Mr François-Xavier Lauch, Prefect of Pas-de-Calais; and Mr Geoffrey Fournier-Delattre, the newly elected Mayor of Bullecourt.

The Choir of Remembrance during their performance. — The Choir of Remembrance, made up of schoolchildren from Bullecourt and Bapaume, performed “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”, accompanied by the Australian Army Band.

A general view of the Digger Ceremony in Bullecourt. — In the small memorial park of the Digger in Bullecourt, a large crowd once again gathered to pay tribute to the soldiers who fell during the Battles of Bullecourt in 1917.

Floral tributes laid at the foot of the Digger Memorial at the end of the service.

An Australian soldier wearing a slouch hat applauding a French flag bearer.

Take a look at the photo galleries from the previous services.
2025 – 2024 – 2023 – 2022