LONDON — The Queen Elizabeth was joined by several other members of the Royal Family and Prime Minister Tony Blair on Saturday at an event to pay tribute to Britain's service men and women.

The annual Festival of Remembrance at London's Royal Albert Hall features a procession of military bands, choirs and musical ensembles.

During the traditional Laying of the Drums segment, several drums were placed on top of each other to form an altar to honour Britain's war dead. A religious service was also held, including hymns and prayers.

The festival paid special tribute to troops still stationed in Iraq. Footage of the British troops in Basra, both in action and in rest, was shown as friends and relatives crossed the concert hall floor.

Soldiers stationed in Basra were able to listen to the event via the British Forces Broadcasting Service.

Silence then fell among the 3,800 guests as four trumpeters played the Last Post and thousands of red poppy petals fell from the ceiling to represent all those who have died in combat.

Security at the event was tight, with a strong police presence, sniper crews on the roof and a helicopter overhead, as members of the Royal Family, including Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne entered the hall.