In an emotional video message, Scott reflected on the profound impact his grandmother had on both his personal life and his music career. “She was such an incredible woman. She was the matriarch of our family,” the singer shared. “All of the lessons she taught me as a kid, I’ve brought into my adult life, and I live my life by them. Grandma Vera was my biggest supporter. So this Celebration Day, I’m going to be raising my Yorkshire tea to her.”
At the heart of the non-commercial initiative is “The Big Toast” at 7:00 PM, a synchronized moment where communities, pubs, and households across the UK will simultaneously raise a glass—whether filled with tea, beer, or champagne—to remember loved ones who are no longer here. Recent polling indicates that nearly half of the British public (46%) plans to participate in the collective moment of reflection.
Scott joins a star-studded lineup of public figures backing the 2026 campaign, including Sir Stephen Fry, Dame Prue Leith, Rita Wilson, Rob Brydon, and Sir Mo Farah. Inspired by global remembrance traditions like Mexico’s Day of the Dead and China’s Qingming Festival, Celebration Day was established in 2022 to foster more open, positive conversations around grief and remembrance in the UK.
The annual event operates as a completely non-political initiative and has partnered with several prominent national charities for 2026, including Mind, Make-A-Wish, and Hospice UK. Organizers invite participants of all ages to share their own stories and tributes online ahead of Monday’s national toast.
