The countdown is on to a host of commemorative events across the borough to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and the sacrifice of the Accrington Pals.

The bandstand in Oakhill Park in Accrington will host the first ever Accrington Pals Prom on Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 25.

There will be a day of family activities and music in the park from 11am to 4pm followed later by the inaugural Pals Prom, featuring performances by the East Lancashire Concert Band with the Rossendale Ladies Choir at 6pm.

The prom is being organised by The Accrington Pals Prom Group, with the Royal British Legion.

People are also being encouraged to join a symbolic walk on Thursday, June 30 to mark the Pals march to the front.

Groups will from across the borough will meet in Oakhill Park for the event.

Organisers are urging local people to take part as a walker or a volunteer walk leader to organise their own groups for the event.

On the night, a visual art performance called ‘Falling’, which will take place at 7pm in Oakhill Park, featuring local people representing the Accrington Pals.

Sophie Fitzpatrick, project manager at organisers the Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre, said: “This performance will celebrate their friendship, bravery and their sacrifice.

“It will also remember the soldiers that made it back home, who shaped the East Lancashire we know today.

“The performance will be both visually stunning and thought provoking.”

Five hundred and eight four Pals were killed or injured on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

There are also a number of events planned on Friday, July 1, to mark the Pals going ‘over the top’ on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

A Civic Commemoration will take place at the Pals Memorial, Accrington, and a Roll Call for the Accrington Pals will run from 8am to mid-afternoon in Accrington town centre.

Each soldier will have their name read out at the ceremony.

A Commemorative Concert will also in the ballroom at Accrington Town Hall.

Pals Prom organisers are looking for local businesses to contribute, and those interested are invited to contact Anne Ellwood on 07805 923075.