Photograph of black female dancer in pink dress in front of a cross and the nave altar screen in Westminster Abbey

Commonwealth

Name: Lunchtime Talk: Creating the Commonwealth
Start: 2025-02-12T13:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-02-12T13:50:00.000Z
Location: Westminster Abbey

The Commonwealth is a worldwide family of nations united by shared values and historical ties across a tapestry of diverse cultures. Join us this season to celebrate Commonwealth Day.

Upcoming events

Photograph showing the quire stalls in Westminster Abbey with plaques for New Zealand and Australia as Commonwealth countries to promote a lunchtime talk about creating the commonwealth

Lunchtime Talk: Creating the Commonwealth

Wednesday, 12th February 2025

1.00pm - 1.50pm
St Margaret's Church
£5

Photograph of large flags from around the Commonwealth blowing in the wind outside the West Doors of Westminster Abbey

Commonwealth tour

13th - 28th February 2025

2.00pm - 3.15pm
The Abbey
£10

Photograph of the backs of families, adults and children, walking through the cloisters in Westminster Abbey

Commonwealth family tour

17th - 21st February 2025

Times vary
The Abbey
Free (booking required)

Photograph of a group of Maori dancers within the nave of Westminster Abbey

Commonwealth Festival

Saturday, 22nd February 2025

10.00am - 2.30pm
The Abbey
Included in the price of admission

Photograph of an audience sitting down and listening within St Margaret's Church, next to Westminster Abbey

Commonwealth Talk: Literary Cultures

Saturday, 1st March 2025

2.00pm - 3.00pm
St Margaret's Church
£5

Commonwealth tour

1st - 19th March 2025

Times vary
The Abbey
£10

Photograph of embroidery showing the detail at the top of a crown, representing a talk on royalty and the British Raj in India

Lunchtime Talk: Royalty and the British Raj

Wednesday, 12th March 2025

1.00pm - 1.50pm
St Margaret's Church
£5

Commonwealth for young people

Did you know that two thirds of all Commonwealth citizens are aged 29 and under?

Either in person or virtually, we welcome schools from across the Commonwealth to join one our sessions, led by experienced learning officers who can bring learning to life, in line with your programmes of study.

Explore our shared Commonwealth connections and the ways they are remembered and celebrated at Westminster Abbey through ceremonies, artefacts, and traditions.

Close-up photograph of flag bearer carrying a flag during a Commonwealth service at Westminster Abbey

Book a place for your school

Discover more about Commonwealth at the Abbey

Find out more about the service that takes place on the second Monday in March each year, as well as memorials which are connected to the Commonwealth.