Lights Out 2014
Aug, 8 2014
In commemoration of the centenary of the First World War, a UK wide event took place which saw many buildings, organisations and individuals turning their 'Lights Out' for a hour of mass reflection.
Between the hours of 10 and11pm on 4th August people across the country turned their Lights Out. A report from the National Grid estimates that 3 million homes turned their Lights Out during this hour. Alongside these individuals over 1000 public places took part, including the famous Big Ben, Blackpool Illuminations, St Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Old Trafford.
Even now, 100 years later, the effects of the First World War are still greatly influencing our society and the world we live in. It may not necessarily seem that way, as the affects today are subtle, but the changes are and will continue to be everlasting. In fact, the way the world is today would not be so if it was not for the Great War.
Events continue to take place across the UK in honour of this, the centenary of the Great War. The most iconic of which is 'Bloodswept Lands and Seas of Red' taking place at The Tower of London. This event lasts from 5th August until 11th November 2014 and sees 888,246 ceramic poppies, one to represent each soldier lost in the Great War, progressively filling the Tower's moat. Ceramic designer Paul Cummins and stage designer Tom Piper are the creators behind this truly amazing and significant method of remembrance.
Preston City, the birth place of the Creative Communities Group, was proud to take part in this iconic event on the 4th August, organising a Lights Out Candle Light Vigil around the city's cenotaph. This event saw many volunteers from the community laying 1956 candles in commemoration of each soldier lost, from Preston, in the First World War.
The event was organised by '14-18 NOW' a major cultural organisation across the United Kingdom.
14-18 NOW
Bloodswept Lands and Seas of Red
Preston City Lights Out
http://www.preston.gov.uk/news/2014/jul/lights/
http://https://www.flickr.com/photos/proudprestonian/sets/72157646223069886/
