BBC Announces Star-Studded Live Event to Celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday
In a fitting tribute to a life dedicated to showcasing the wonders of our planet, the BBC is set to air a special live event marking Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday. The celebration will be broadcast from the iconic Royal Albert Hall on May 8th at 8:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
The evening will feature a lineup of notable figures, including Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall, and Chris Packham, alongside the host, Kirsty Young. Music will play a key role, with performances by Dan Smith of Bastille and Icelandic band Sigur Ros, whose tracks have become synonymous with Attenborough’s beloved Planet Earth series.
A highlight of the event will be a musical collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra, performing scores from some of the most dramatic wildlife moments featured in Attenborough’s documentaries, including the heart-pounding iguana chase and the haunting orca wave sequence.
Throughout the evening, the special will also look back on Attenborough’s monumental 70-year career, reflecting on his contributions to natural history television, from his groundbreaking Zoo Quest series in 1954 to his later work as the Controller of BBC Two.
As part of the celebration, the show will showcase unforgettable wildlife moments, while also featuring intimate reflections from those who’ve worked alongside Attenborough, including Backshall, Packham, and Sir Michael. The event is produced by BBC Studios Music Productions and the Natural History Unit in partnership with The Open University.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of one of the world’s most influential broadcasters.
