World War One commemorations

A FOUR-year programme of special events to commemorate the centenary of the First World War has been announced by Warrington Borough Council and partner organisations.
The war began in August 1914, and events in Warrington this year will begin during the summer with events including Proms in the Park featuring two military bands – the band of the Lancashire Artillery and the band of 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
Cllr Mike Hannon (pictured), deputy leader of the council, said: “It will ‘All be going on in Warrington’ as we launch our four-year programme of events to commemorate World War One.
“Throughout Britain, the huge war effort and sacrifice touched so many lives and Warrington was no exception. That’s why, as a council and with our partners including Culture Warrington, LiveWire, local media, local history and community groups, schools and parish councils across the borough, we’re planning a wide range of commemorative events.
“Work has already started on planning our big, high-profile events, and we are also asking local residents for their suggestions about how we can best commemorate the Warrington connection, the families and individuals who made such huge contributions to the war effort.”
Cllr Hannon added: “With our local regiment, 75 Engineers, we are organising a Proms in the Park event for Saturday July 19. This is a well-established annual concert but this year for the first time it will enjoy the beautiful backdrop of Bank Park following its £2.2 million makeover.
“Proms in the Park 2014 will be a fitting tribute to the deep and historic relationship between local regiments and Warrington Borough Council.”
Jan Souness, managing director of Culture Warrington and LiveWire, said: “Our summer commemorative activities will begin in June, when Orford Park will be the venue for a World War One-style parade with a military band, and Orford Hub Library will host a glass-painting event featuring the names of Warrington soldiers who served during the war.
“And in August, Culture Warrington will present a play including poetry and music from the Great War. ‘Talbot House: A home from home’ will tell a family audience the moving story of thousands of allied troops who enjoyed the comforts of home at this Belgian residence not far behind the front line.”
Warrington Borough Council will formally launch its four-year commemoration programme with a small civic ceremony at the Town Hall on Monday August 4.