Redbridge Council today joins public institutions and individuals across the country in marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War by throwing its buildings into darkness.
Several events, including a service on the steps of the Town Hall, took place over the weekend, but today marks precisely 100 years since Britain declared war on Germany and the country was thrust into “the war to end all wars”.
Between 10-11pm, lights at buildings including council offices in Clements Road, Ilford, and Redbridge Town Hall will be switched off as part of Lights Out, an initiative inspired by comments made by foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey at the outbreak of the First World War.
In August 1914, he said: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”
• Pick up Thursday’s copy of the Recorder for full coverage of commemorative activities across the borough.
Read more:
First World War: Police rally to remember officers from across east London who died in war‘Fascinating’ lives of fallen soldiers to be remembered in Wanstead church exhibition
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