‘Lights Out’ in Liverpool 4th August to remember WWI

LIGHTS will go out across Liverpool on Monday 4 August to remember the centenary of the hour that Britain entered World War One.

LIGHTS OUT is a nationwide project initiated by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) designed to create a shared moment of reflection across the country.

Everyone in the UK is invited to take part in LIGHTS OUT by turning off their lights from 10pm to 11pm on 4 August, leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection.

People can take part in whatever way they chose, marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War either individually or by attending one of the many events being organised around the country for a collective experience.

Civic buildings taking part in Liverpool include St George’s Hall, Liverpool Town Hall, Municipal Buildings and Central Library, while Tate Liverpool at the Albert Dock and the Passport Office on Old Hall Street have also signed up.

World War One images will be projected on to the Liver Building during the hour.

And a candlelit vigil is being held in the Anglican Cathedral from 10pm to 11pm, which everyone is welcome to attend.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Erica Kemp, said: “Liverpool played a key role in World War One and many thousands of men who left the city to take part in the conflict never came back.

“It is vitally important that we remember the sacrifices that they made on behalf of the nation and I would urge people to take part in this simple shared moment of reflection.

“People are also welcome to attend the vigil that is being held at the Anglican Cathedral on Hope Street, which is set to be a poignant and moving event.”

LIGHTS OUT is the headline project of 14-18 NOW, the official cultural programme for the First World War Centenary Commemorations.

The inspiration for LIGHTS OUT comes from a famous remark made on the eve of the outbreak of war by the then Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not

see them lit again in our life-time”. Britain declared war on Germany at 11pm on 4 August 1914 ushering in one of the darkest periods in our history.

For details about LIGHTS OUT events in your area you can search the LIGHTS OUT map at: www.1418NOW.org.uk/lightsout