Lights Out for Link4Life centres to mark First World War centenary

Lights Out to mark First World War centenary

Link4Life centres will be turning off their lights on the evening of Monday 4 August joining in a nationwide commemoration of the outbreak of the First World War.

As part of this year’s centenary events, everyone in the UK is invited to take part in 'Lights Out' by turning off their lights from 10pm to 11pm on 4 August, leaving on a single light or candle.

The event is symbolic of the words spoken by British Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Gray, in August 1914 when he said, “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime”

Hundreds of local authorities, iconic buildings, national organisations including the BBC and the Royal British Legion, parish councils and places of worship are taking part in LIGHTS OUT across the country.

All Link4Life centres that open in the evening will close early at 9.30pm. Customers will be invited to wait outside while all lights but one in the building are turned off at 10pm to help mark the event. Centres taking part in Rochdale are Littleborough Sports Centre, Kingsway Park Sports Centre and Rochdale Leisure Centre. In Heywood both Heywood Civic Centre and Heywood Sports Village will mark the occasion. In Middleton, Middleton Arena and Bowlee Park Sports Centre will also participate.

Members of the Middleton Branch of the Royal British Legion will attend the Middleton Arena to join in the commemoration.

All remaining Link4Life centres not open to the public that evening will join in the event, arranging for a single light to remain lit.

'Lights Out' is a headline project of the cultural programme 14-18 Now and was initiated by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport; 14-18 Now is a curated programme of new art works across the UK that forms part of the official commemorations of the Centenary of the First World War.

Seen as a moment of national reflection and hope, Chairman of Link4Life, Clint Street, spoke about the decision to support the 'Lights Out' event saying, “This is a unique and important opportunity to remember all those who served in World War One and the sacrifice our Armed Forces continue to make on our behalf. We are delighted to be giving it our full support.”