At the Flag Market in Preston on Monday 4 August a LIGHTS OUT event will take place.
Also taking place across the nation, this is an invitation for everyone to turn off their lights between 10.00pm and 11.00pm but leave a single light or candle on for a moment of shared reflection.
All internal and external lights will be switched off at Lancastria House, Markets, Town Hall, Guild Hall and the Harris Museum & Art Gallery. Street lamps will also be turned off, with one porch light left on at the back door of the Town Hall as a mark of respect.
The inspiration for LIGHTS OUT came from the famous remark by British Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our life-time.”
It is expected millions of people will join in, alongside hundreds of local authorities, iconic buildings, parish councils and places of worship, and national organisations including the BBC and the Royal British Legion.
Mayor of Preston, Councillor Nick Pomfret, said: “This is a momentous juncture of our time and one that has contributed to the way we live our lives today. It is very important we remember these occasions as a city and nation and of those who fought for us.”
There will be a choreographed candlelit vigil centred against the backdrop of the Cenotaph.
This will be followed by readings of letters and World War I poetry.
2,000 candles will feature, each one representing a soldier named on the Roll of Honour for the First World War.
If you would like to take part in the candlelit vigil, Preston Council are looking for volunteer participants to mark this special moment.
More information can be found at www.preston.gov.uk/lightsout
The event will be on Monday 4 August from 9pm until 11pm
LIGHTS OUT is the headline project of 14-18 NOW, the official cultural programme for the First World War Centenary Commemorations.
14-18 NOW is a member of the First World War Centenary Partnership and an independent programme hosted within Imperial War Museums. The First World War Centenary Partnership was established by IWM (Imperial War Museums) in 2010 and to date has over 2,500 members from across 45 countries.
Will you be turning out your lights on 4 August?