BBC to stage Attenborough 100th birthday event at Royal Albert Hall

The BBC will stage a grand live celebration of Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday at London's Royal Albert Hall on May 8, bringing together prominent broadcasters and musicians for performances tied to his landmark natural history series.

Titled David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth, the 90-minute special will air live at 8:30 p.m. on BBC One and iPlayer. Hosted by Kirsty Young, the event honors the broadcaster's eight-decade career, which includes iconic programs like Planet Earth, Blue Planet and his debut wildlife series Zoo Quest. Guest speakers Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall and Chris Packham, all of whom have collaborated with Attenborough, will reflect on his contributions to wildlife storytelling and conservation.

Musical highlights will feature artists linked to Attenborough's documentaries. Bastille frontman Dan Smith will perform a classical rendition of the band's hit "Pompeii" alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra, following its use in Planet Earth III. Icelandic band Sigur Rós will play their track "Hoppípolla," featured in trailers for the original Planet Earth in 2006 and Planet Earth II in 2016. The orchestra will also recreate scores from...