THE lights will go out in Worcester on Monday, August 4, as the city marks the outbreak of the First World War 100 years ago.

The city council is joining the national Lights Out campaign to commemorate the centenary of the breakout of war between 10pm and 11pm.

During the hour lights will be turned off on Worcester’s High Street as well as city council offices in Farrier Street and its depot at Sixways.

Duncan Sharkey, Managing Director of Worcester City Council, said: "We will be switching out lights at our offices as a mark of respect to the millions of people who lost their lives and who suffered during the First World War.

"The lessons learned from these events one hundred years ago must never be forgotten. I would encourage Worcester residents to join in between 10pm and 11pm and switch their lights out too, so as a city we can experience a shared moment of reflection."

Residents, business owners and organisations all over the country are being asked to take part as well.

The move mirrors the famous remark made by Sir Edward Grey, then British Foreign Secretary, one hundred years ago. At the time he said: "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime."

For more information on the event visit 1418now.org.uk/lights-out/ and for the full programme of events planned in Worcestershire to mark the outbreak of World War 1 go to ww1worcestershire.co.uk.