As Brits, we’re famously awkward about talking about the important stuff: money, politics and most of all, death. Research shows that more than one in four of us feel uncomfortable discussing death – yet 74 per cent would raise a drink in someone’s memory. That’s exactly what we’re all invited to do on Monday 25th May for Celebration Day. Inspired by remembrance occasions such as Mexico’s famous Day of the Dead – where people honour those who have died with colourful and joyous celebrations – Celebration Day encourages us to pause and remember those who are no longer with us. This year the nation will raise a glass, cup or mug for The Big Toast at 7pm, to mark the memory of someone special. It’s a chance to reflect and remember those who have shaped our lives, from family and friends to inspirational public figures. Celebrating the people who shaped usDame Prue Leith will be toasting her ‘great influence’ and ‘best friend’, younger brother Jamie (Simon Jacobs/PinPep (Image taken at 'The Portrait Restaurant by Richard Corrigan'))A wealth of celebrities and public figures are joining in and sharing videos of their toasts, including Sir Stephen Fry, Dame Prue Leith, Sir Mo Farah, Rob Brydon and Ellie Simmons. “Across centuries and cultures, raising a glass has been a simple way to honour those who came before us – a small ritual with enormous warmth,” says Sir Stephen, who is president of the mental health charity Mind, one of the partners of this year’s Celebration Day, along with Make-A-Wish and Hospice UK.“In a world that often feels hurried and disconnected, moments like The Big Toast give us permission to pause, remember, and speak the names of those who shaped our lives,” adds Fry, who will be toasting his late friend, the journalist and author Christopher Hitchens. “That shared act – whether with a cup of tea or something stronger – can be quietly powerful, bringing comfort, connection, and the reminder that we are not alone. In turbulent times, there is something deeply sustaining about coming together, even briefly, to mark a memory.”Dame Prue Leith will be remembering her younger brother Jamie. “No longer with us, but a great influence on my life, and my best friend really,” she says. “He was just a wonderful man and he was one of the few people who would tell me that I’d got it wrong or I was behaving badly. I love the whole idea of Celebration Day because I think we all think that we’re responsible for our own success but actually all the people lead to your success or your happiness.”Research by Celebration Day shows that parents (40 per cent) and friends (20 per cent) top the list of people Brits are most likely to raise a glass to, followed by grandparents (19 per cent) and partners (10 per cent).But some will be toasting public figures who have had an impact on their lives and career. Comedian and actor Rob Brydon is raising his glass to Barry Humphries, best known for his alter ego Dame Edna Everage. “Barry was one of the great comedy heroes. I think you could say that he perhaps looms the largest,” says Brydon. “Celebration day for me is a wonderful idea because it's all about good. It's all about positivity.”Why remembering mattersActor Ophelia Lovibond is reading a poem to honour her close friend, presenter Caroline Flack (Bright Stream Productions/Matthew Bowen)Dr Martin Surr, the real-life GP who inspired the television show Doc Martin, hopes the Big Toast can open up more positive conversations about those no longer with us. “Attitudes towards death are changing. Much like mental health a generation ago, we’re starting to break the taboo,” says Dr Surr. “Sharing memories supports both our emotional and physical wellbeing – while suppressed grief can lead to anxiety, depression and even weakened immunity.”Other well-known names including actors Joanna Scanlan, Alison Steadman as well as poets such as Donna Ashworth and Hussain Manawer are getting involved in Celebration Day by reciting poems in memory of loved ones. Actor Ophelia Lovibond reads ‘Remember’ by the Victorian poet Christina Rossetti to honour her close friend, the TV presenter Caroline Flack, who died by suicide in 2020. She says poetry helped comfort her after the loss. “It was so hard to talk about it, and genuinely, poetry was so helpful in feeding me a line and helping to kind of pull me back in,” she says.Taking part in The Big Toast is simple. At 7pm on Monday 25 May, simply pause and raise a glass to someone who has impacted your life. You can do this privately, or share your toast on social media with the #MarkTheirMemory hashtag. Additionally, this year, more than 650 Craft Union pubs across the UK will also host special ‘Big Toast Charity Pub Quizzes’ in support of CALM, bringing communities together ahead of the nationwide toast at 7pm. Visit the Craft Union site to find your local.“Sometimes it takes something simple to open the door to express our humanity and raising a glass can help people start those conversations,” says Dr Surr. “A national moment like Celebration Day and the Big Toast gives us all permission to do just that.”For more details about The Big Toast, visit Celebration Day or follow @Celebrationdayuk on Instagram and YouTube