WW1 Centenary commemorated with Lights Out

Photo: Peter Fitchett

Rochdale commemorates WW1 Centenary with Lights Out

Rochdale was plunged into darkness last night as homes and businesses took part in Lights Out – a nationwide event to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The Lancashire Fusiliers joined around 60 members of the public to watch as the lights at Rochdale Town Hall were extinguished and a giant poppy and a giant candle were projected onto the side of the clock tower.

A two-minute silence was held to allow those gathered, both young and old, the chance to reflect on the day’s events and to remember those friends, families, neighbours and strangers who fought and gave their lives 100 years ago.

Lights Out was the headline project of 14-18 Now, the official cultural programme for the First World War Centenary Commemorations.

The inspiration for Lights Out comes from a famous remark made on the eve of the outbreak of war by the then Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our life-time”. Britain declared war on Germany at 11pm on 4 August 1914 ushering in one of the darkest periods in our history.