First World War centenary: Redbridge set to hold commemorative events to mark anniversary of Britain declaring war on Germany

British soldiers negotiating a shell-cratered, winter landscape along the River Somme in late 1916 after the close of the Allied offensive. [Picture: PA] (Image: PA Archive/Press Association Images)

August 4 marks 100 years since Britain declared war on Germany and the country was thrust into the First World War - a conflict which killed approximately 17 million military personnel and civilians.

Now Redbridge is remembering our soldiers - the fallen, the wounded and those who survived - with a programme of commemorative events.

The borough’s main service will take place on August 3 outside Redbridge Town Hall, in High Road, Ilford.

Due to run from midday to 1pm, the event will include a parade and a service at the steps of the town hall.

Remembrance Day poppies (Image: Archant)

This will be followed, at a time to be confirmed, by the Last Post.

The Ilford War Memorial Gardens Action Group is hosting its own event the day before.

The open day will feature an exhibition, music performances and displays by the action group, the Western Front Association, the Royal British Legion and cadets.

There will also be a talk by information and heritage librarian Ian Dowling, from Redbridge Central Library’s information and heritage service, as well as library activities.

Undated file photo of British infantrymen occupying a shallow trench in a ruined landscape before an advance during the Battle of the Somme. [Picture: PA] (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

The day will run from 1-4pm at the memorial gardens, in Eastern Avenue, Newbury Park.

The borough is also taking part in the UK-wide initiative Lights Out on August 4, which will see Redbridge Council and Redbridge Vision Culture and Leisure buildings turn off their lights from 10-11pm.

Among the sites taking part will be the council offices in Clements Road, Ilford, the Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre, in Forest Road, Barkingside, and Redbridge Town Hall.

Redbridge Museum will unveil its First World War exhibition later on in the year, in November.

Undated file photo of British infantrymen marching towards the front lines in the River Somme valley. [Picture: PA] (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

It will feature historical objects, photographs and personal items from residents, most of which will have not been seen before.

For more information on these events, visit the Redbridge Council website.