Planning events to mark First World War anniversary
Chesterfield businesses and voluntary groups are invited to work with Chesterfield Borough Council to help plan commemorations in the borough to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Armistice Day on 11 November this year will mark 100 years since the signing of the Armistice which brought an end to more than four years of fighting in which an estimated 37 million people were killed.
It is anticipated that a range of organisations in Chesterfield may be planning events during the year and in particular for the period 11 October to 11 November.
The council has put together a 2018 World War One commemorations working group with a remit to collate events. Anyone planning events during the year is asked to contact the group with details so that the events can be publicised.
Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-
“The end of the First World War was a significant moment in modern history and we anticipate a range of organisations – schools, colleges, the University of Derby and local businesses – may be planning events during the year.
“As a council we will be staging events at the Pomegranate Theatre and the Winding Wheel, including a new play commissioned by the council, a series of First World War films, together with a special exhibition at the Museum and the annual October CAMRA Beer Festival on a First World War theme will also be included.
“We are planning a ‘poppy fall’ either side of the entrance to the Town Hall and would like to see our town centre bathed in commemorative displays during that month.
“We asking that anyone planning events or activities – be it window displays in local shops or specific activities relating to the commemorations – should be in touch. Our aim is to collate all the information, publish it on our website and through our communication channels.”
Anyone planning events should contact Rachel Appleyard, senior democratic and scrutiny officer, by emailing rachel.appleyard@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling (01246) 345277.
