Liverpool will pause to remember those who fought and fell at the Battle of the Somme during the city's annual Remembrance Sunday service next month. St George's Hall will host the commemorations, which mark 110 years since the battle, considered one of the bloodiest campaigns in human history.
The Service of Remembrance will take place on November 8 on the plateau outside the historic hall. Themed around Liverpool Remembers, it will bring together faith and community leaders, the Armed Forces and veterans to honour those who gave their lives in conflict.
A Historic Gathering Place
The steps of St George's Hall hold a special place in the city's history. During World War I, they became a rallying point for the Liverpool Pals, when speakers such as Lord Darby and Lord Kitchener appealed for 100,000 men to form a new army.
Before the service, archive film footage of these rallies and appeals will be shown on a screen, offering a glimpse into the events that took place on the very steps where people are gathered.
Service Details and Performances
The Band of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and The Pipes and Drums of The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association will play from 10.40am ahead of the service. There will also be performances from the Liverpool Lighthouse Choir, St Edward's College Senior Choir and Liverpool Mezzo Soprano Danielle Louise Thomas.
A two-minute silence will be held at 11am, marked by the ceremonial signal, allowing those gathered at the hall to pay their respects. Following the silence, the traditional wreath-laying and service by key civic, military and religious leaders and Cadets will take place, before the parade marches from St George's Plateau to salute the Cenotaph.
City Leaders Urge Participation
The service is open to the public, and people are encouraged to arrive early. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr William Shortall, said: "It is an honour to stand with our city as we remember those who served, those who serve today and those who gave their lives."
Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson, said: "Every year Liverpool gathers at St George's Hall to pay its respects, and this year feels especially poignant as we mark 110 years since the Battle of the Somme."
Armed Forces Champion for Liverpool City Council, Cllr Declan Henry, said: "Remembrance is about people: the families who waited, the veterans who carry their memories with them and the men and women serving today." As many as 114 men from Liverpool died on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, July 1 1916, and almost all of them are buried or memorialised at the Somme.
