Details for Battle of the Somme Commemorations today

Two services are to be held in Southport and Bootle as Sefton commemorates the 100 Year Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The Battle of the Somme was the largest and bloodiest battle of World War 1 with more than one million men being wounded or killed, many from Sefton.

Taking place today, Friday, July 1 both services will start at 10:45am and will include readings, a 2 minute silence and the playing of the last post and reveille.

Full details of each service:

Bootle

Bootle Town Hall – Council Chamber

10:45am

Following the service in the Council Chamber there will be a short wreath laying service under the Roll of Honour in the foyer, led by Labour Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Ian Maher.

Refreshments will be served in the Committee Room.

Southport

Southport War Memorial – Lord Street

10:45am

The service will include the laying of wreath at the memorial, led by the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Iain Brodie Browne.

Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Iain Brodie Browne, said: “It is very important that we remember the sacrifice made at World War 1 and I am proud to be leading the commemoration event in Southport.

“There will have been many young men from across Sefton that went over the top at the Battle of the Somme and some will not have made it home. I am sure this will be a very emotional but fitting to tribute to their memory.”

Commemorations will take place in Formby on Sunday 3rd June, please see details below;

SOMME COMMEMORATION SUN 3rd JULY 2016

A short commemoration of the Battle of the Somme at Formby War Memorial on Sunday 3rd July at 4:15pm.

This is to take the form of a short service and will include the exhortation, last post and reveille. Also there will be an opportunity for the laying of crosses.

We hope you will be able to attend,