A concert remembering the 1914 Christmas Truce will be held in Accrington this weekend.
A 100-strong community choir has been formed from members across the country for ‘The Rhyme of No Man’s Land’ concert at St James’ Church.
The event is part of the Mid Pennine Arts’ Truce project and will also include performances from local schoolchildren.
Members have been preparing to commemorate the soldiers of the First World War by researching the period and learning songs relevant to the Christmas Truce from 1914.
Soldiers from both the Allied and German sides stopped fighting and instead joined in peaceful activities together, which included playing football, singing carols, and exchanging gifts.
As well as the Truce choir, students from Spring Hill Primary in Accrington will perform a song especially written for the event by musician Steve Brown.
Pupils from Hollins Technology College in Accrington will also give readings of poems and texts, including letters written by First World War soldiers about the Truce.
Actor John Meredith will perform monologues in the character of Sgt Meredith, a WW1 soldier who experienced the Truce.
The Great People’s Poppy, an artwork created by Emma Blackburn from individual poppies made by the public, will also have its inaugural display on the night.
Cath Ford, project manager of Truce, said the event is part of a series of events to mark the Christmas ceasefire.
She added: “We wanted to do something to celebrate this extraordinary occasion when 100 years ago the ordinary soldiers went against the orders of the generals and stopped fighting.
“This concert is part of a series of events to explore the Truce.
“Each event looks at the things that connect us, our shared community and cultural activity, the traditions and activities that bring us closer together as human beings, and in particular how those shared activities helped bring about a moment of peace in a bloody and horrific war.”
The concert will be held on Saturday, November 29 from 7pm.
