2014 will mark 100 years since the start of the First World War. The government is working alongside partners, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the
Imperial War Museum, on a series of national remembrance events, an extensive cultural programme and educational schemes. Culture Secretary Maria Miller is chairing an expert advisory panel to oversee the 4-year programme, building a commemoration fitting of this significant milestone in world history.
There is significant interest locally in a Brighton & Hove programme. Interest has been raised by
Members (as discussed at Full Council), the Civil Military Partnership Board, the local Armed Forces, the cultural sector, many Faith groups and the Community and Voluntary sector.
A Brighton & Hove WW1 Steering Group and Planning Group, chaired by Richard Butcher Tuset,
Head of Policy, Performance & Communities, has been convened in order to co-ordinate a programme of events across the city for the period 2014 – 2108.
Feedback from partners and stakeholders to date has stressed the need for a programme that is respectful both in terms of profile and content to the sacrifices made in the War, and links-
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Directly to the story of the city and its residents during this time
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To the unique history in Brighton & Hove to strengthen our understanding of diversity and improve social cohesion in the city
 To the overall ‘lens’ of the commemoration being about education
T he national theme of ‘reconciliation and preserving the memories of the war for future generations’ resonates with this message.
There are already plans formulating in the City from Faith and Arts communities, Royal Pavilion &
Museums, Universities and the Civil Military Partnership Board and examples so far include:
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Collecting Memories Exhibition at Brighton Museum (European funding has been agreed)
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Performances by Brighton Little Theatre
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Church of England -Range of commemorative services
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Planting fields of poppies in key areas of the city
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Concerts
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Telling the story of the hospital role in the city
There are also significant plans already drafted for some of the key events in 2014 including:
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Memorial Service on 70 th anniversary of D Day - 6 th June 2014
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Flag Raising (start of Armed Forces Week)
– 23 rd June 2014
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Freedom of the City March by Princess of Wales Royal Regiment and community activities on
Armed Forces Day – 28 th June 2014
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Drumhead and Interfaith Service commemorating the start of WW1 – 4 th August 2014
We would like groups and organisations across the city to have an opportunity to participate in the four year programme and would ask you to consider how your group or organisation would like to be included.
Further key dates to consider during the four key period include:
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Armed Forces Day – 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (usually the last Saturday in June)
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The Battle of Boars Head, 30 th June 2016 (a significant date for the people of Sussex)
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The first day of the Battle of the Somme (1 st July 2016)
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Armistice Day (November 2018)