WW1 centenary service and Armed Forces Week

A special open air service will be held in the Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, on Sunday 24 June to mark the end of the World War One centenary.

The Interfaith and Drumhead Service is open to all and takes place at 2.30pm* for 3pm on the East Lawn.

Among those taking part will be the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field; the Bishop of Lewes, the Right Reverend Richard Jackson; faith representatives; the mayor, Councillor Dee Simson; forces veterans’ representatives and cadets; and members of the choir of All Saints Church in Hove.

Local schoolchildren will also be attending and scattering poppies during the service.

The same afternoon a Flag Raising Ceremony will be held at 2.15pm at the Old Steine War Memorial to mark the start of Armed Forces Week. The flag raising party will then join the Interfaith and Drumhead Service.

Council leader Daniel Yates said: “The service is an opportunity for local residents, and anyone else who is interested, to join together to remember those who served in World War One and all those from the city who lost their lives.”

The service follows a programme of events over the last four years to commemorate the centenary of WW1 which has included exhibitions; unveiling memorial stones to honour local people awarded the Victoria Cross during the conflict; and planting an avenue of trees in Hove Cemetery to remember those who lost their lives.

On Sunday 1 July, Armed Forces Day is being marked with a free family event at Blind Veterans UK in Greenways, Ovingdean, from 10.30am to 4pm.  Blind Veterans UK (formerly St Dunstan’s) are bringing together service charities and organisations in the area to showcase their community work. The event will feature a variety of stalls, activities and entertainment, including a military band, a dance display, dog show, and military and classic vehicles. Further information www.blindveterans.org.uk/armedforcesday. 

The centenary of the end of WW1 is being marked now to link with Armed Forces Week and Remembrance services will be held to mark Armistice Day in November.

*We are advising people to arrive early to be seated by 2.30pm.