Marking the time Britain declared war on Germany at 11pm on 4 August 1914 millions of people are expected to participate in LIGHTS OUT, which invites everyone in the UK to turn off their lights from 10pm to 11pm, leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection.

LIGHTS OUT is the headline project of 14-18 NOW, the official cultural programme for the First World War Centenary Commemorations. Iconic buildings such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, York Minster and national organisations such as the BBC and Royal British Legion have all pledged their support.

In York, the Lantern in the Tower above All Saints Pavement will be lit at 10pm. All Saints Pavement is the Guild and Civic Church of York, the Regimental church of the Royal Dragoon Guards and is also known as the Lantern Church and it is this light from its tower which will help mark York’s remembrance.

Elsewhere in the city a Sunset Service will take place at 8pm to 8.30pm on 4 August at the Railway Cenotaph, Station Rise. The service will be led by the Revd Dr Stephen Sorby, Railway and BTP Chaplain. During this ceremony the 100th Anniversary Candle will be lit and everyone is welcome to attend. There is also a Candlelit Service at St Martin-le-Grand, Coney Street at 10pm where, in common with other churches and led by Westminster, St Martin’s will be commemorating the moment that the United Kingdom joined the First World War with a special vigil service. The service will include music, poetry, readings and reflection.

As announced earlier in the year, City of York Council has earmarked £40k to help restore war memorials in the city and the cabinet is committed to further investment in the memorials where City of York Council is the custodian.

For further information on LIGHTS OUT visit http://www.1418now.org.uk/