A POIGNANT commemoration held against the backdrop of the River Blackwater will mark 100 years since the end of the Great War.

Battle’s Over will take place in Promenade Park, Maldon, on Sunday, November 11 from 6pm.

Organised by Maldon District Council, the event will see film, music, readings and lights used to reflect on those who lost their lives in the First World War.

The event will pay tribute to the millions that gave their lives for their country or returned home wounded during or after four years of war.

Excerpts will be shown from original 1916 film The Battle of the Somme, after permission was given by the Imperial War Museum.

It has been digitally remastered ahead of the broadcast.

There will also be music, readings and displays by the district’s cadet forces.

The public are warned the evening will contain some disturbing images from the First World War as well as some loud noises that some people may find distressing or upsetting.

At 7pm, Henry Bass, chairman of Maldon District Council, will start a tribute called Beacons of Light.

It will see the beacon in Promenade Park lit to signify the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of four years of war.

This beacon will be one of more than 1,000 being lit across the United Kingdom at the same time.

Mr Bass said: “We are proud to be playing a part in this historic international event to commemorate the centenary of the end of the Great War, and to recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by the men and women from our own community.”

Battle’s Over – A Nation’s Tribute has been devised and planned by pageant master Bruno Peek.

Mr Peek said: “It’s wonderful to see the event being embraced by so many organisations and communities in this country and around the world.

“The centenary of the end of the Great War is an opportunity to acknowledge the enormous sacrifice made by millions of men and women who died or were wounded, as well as those who worked tirelessly at home in our fields and factories.

“It has been a privilege to work on this project with the support of so many amazing organisations.”

The event in Maldon is being made possible by the Imperial War Museum, Mighty Village and Spectrum Screen Events.

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