Royal British Legion ambassador Ross Kemp has called on punters of Marston’s pubs – in south west Birmingham and across the UK – to ‘Raise a Glass’ to veterans with poppy glassware.
The limited-edition commemorative pint and half-pint glasses have been designed by artist Colin Waite, a Royal Marine veteran, and are available to purchase in Marston pubs, with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion (RBL).
Last year’s Raise a Glass campaign raised over £94,000 for the charity, Marston’s is aiming to raise crucial funds and awareness, in support of the Armed Forces community.
This year’s glasses, available in pint (£3) and half-pint (£2.50) sizes, feature exclusive artwork designed by Royal Marine veteran and artist Colin Waite. Colin served in the Falklands conflict, and now immortalises his experiences into powerful illustrations. His 2025 design shows poppies blooming across the rugged Falklands landscape. The glasses will be available in 292 pubs in the West Midlands.
The limited-edition glasses will be available to buy in participating Marston’s pubs from Sunday 2nd until Tuesday 11th November 2025.
Local venues include:
- The Oak Tree, Rednal B45 8UX;
- Bulls Head, Kings Norton B38 8RU;
- Hopwood House, Hopwood B48 7AB;
- Bear and Staff, Selly Oak B29 6ND;
- Pavilion, King’s Heath B14 6DT;
- The Sun, Romsley B62 0LA;
- The Swan, Fairfield B61 9NG;
Launching this year’s campaign, Royal British Legion ambassador and long-time supporter of the Armed Forces, Ross Kemp, joined Colin to see his designs on the glasses for the first time at The Oakingham Belle pub in Wokingham.
Kemp’s connection to the RBL stems from his grandfather serving in the Second World War, and his grandmother spending her final years in a RBL care home. Over the years, he has actively championed the RBL’s work, from meeting veterans to joining military units in training, to helping raise awareness of the Poppy Appeal.
Ross Kemp, said: “I’m immensely proud to support this year’s Raise a Glass campaign, and it was an honour to be with Colin when he saw his designs on the glasses for the very first time. I want to encourage as many people as possible to raise a glass to thank our veterans this November. For me, this campaign is personal – my family has been supported by the Royal British Legion, and I know how much their work means to so many. Every glass sold helps ensure that veterans, serving personnel, and their families get the support they deserve.”
Jared Sedgwick, Director of Operations for the Midlands at Marston’s, added: “We were blown away with the response to our commemorative poppy pint glasses last year and are so proud to be able to go even bigger with the campaign this year. Colin’s designs have made the glasses extra special, and we have even more to sell this year, meaning we can raise even more money for the Royal British Legion.
“Veterans up and down the country are now part of the Marston’s family, whether they’re pub operators, staff, or they visit for one of the many veteran events that our pubs host. So it was fantastic to have Chris and Richard at the Oakingham Belle to help us launch this year’s campaign. Our pubs have some amazing celebrations planned for this year’s Remembrance Day and we’re hoping to inspire communities across the UK to come together in pubs, raise a glass, and make a real difference.”
For further information, and to find other participating pubs, visit: marstonspubs.co.uk/raise-a-glass
The pair were joined by two other veterans, who are both now landlords of Marston’s pubs, Richard Bye, from The Roebuck in Market Harborough, and Chris Taylor and his partner, Moya, who is also an ex-military wife, from The Volunteer Arms, Barton Upon Humber. Also in attendance was Paul Gill, also a veteran and now Head of Estate Development at Marston’s, responsible for recruiting veteran landlords and supporting them in their transition from service. Together, they raised a glass in remembrance, and to the power of community in supporting those who served.
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Notes to Editors
- Glasses available: From Sunday 2nd November to Tuesday 11th November 2025
- Where: Over 1,000 Marston’s pubs nationwide
- Design: Created by veteran artist Colin Waite, featuring poppies and inspired by the Falklands landscape
- Price: Pint glass £3.00 | Half-pint glass £2.50