DETAILS of a spectacular parade marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and the 150th anniversary of a Worcester regiment have been revealed.

Artillery guns from the last 100 years will be paraded through the city as part of Worcester Artillery Day, set for Saturday, August 16.

The event will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Army Reserve unit, 214 (Worcestershire) Battery Royal Artillery, as well as marking the centenary of the First World War.

The regiment’s commanding officer, Lt Col Frank Whiting, said: “The histories of 214 Battery and of Worcester are closely linked, so I think local people will be very excited to see some of the weaponry we have used throughout our history.

"I’m sure thousands of Worcester residents will want to greet the volunteer men and women of 214 Battery as they parade through their home city, as part of what I know will truly be a day to remember.”

The parade starts at midday on City Walls Road, and then proceeds along Charles Street, Pump Street, High Street, The Cross, Foregate Street and Castle Street before arriving at Pitchcroft.

Before the parade, a service of remembrance will be held at Worcester Cathedral at 9.30am.
The 214 Battery was originally formed in 1864 as the Worcestershire Volunteer Artillery Corps.

The regiment fought in France and Italy during the First World War and in North Africa during the Second World War.

In recent years, soldiers from 214 Battery have seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Among the weapons on show will be a 105mm Light Gun – the 214 Battery’s present-day ceremonial guns - as well as two 18-pounder First World War-era artillery guns, complete with wooden wheels and a 5.5 Howitzer, used in the Battle of El Alamein during the Second World War.

All crews accompanying the artillery guns will be parading in the appropriate period uniform.

After the parade at 1pm, a family fun afternoon will take place at Pitchcroft, where people will get the chance to see the guns in action and to watch a parachute display by the RAF Falcons.

Admission to Worcester Artillery Day, supported by Worcester City Council, the World Festival and the Worcestershire World War One Hundred campaign, is free.

A number of other events are planned to mark 100 years since the start of the First World War.
Various exhibitions, concerts and readings are set to take place around Worcester to mark the event, such as a display of photographs and documents about Woodbine Willie, a parish priest at St. Paul’s, Worcester, who was awarded the Military Cross for his efforts in the trenches, which begins next Tuesday (JULY 15).

For more information visit ww1worcestershire.co.uk.