Overnight vigils will mark Somme centenary

Vigils will be held across the region in memory of Somme soldiers. Credit: ITV Border

Vigils will take place across the region at 9.00pm tonight to remember those who fought at the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago.

One of the largest will be at the war memorial in Rickerby Park in Carlisle, organised by the Royal British Legion, starting at 9.15pm this evening.

The event will include community singing, led by members of the Carlisle Veteran Male Voice Choir, songs sung by local folk group "Thrice Brewed", a Service of Remembrance and the laying of remembrance candles or night lights at the Memorial.

Elsewhere across the Diocese of Carlisle, the Church of England in Cumbria, congregations will also mark the 100th anniversary including:

  • The Windermere branch of the Royal British Legion will hold a vigil at the town’s war memorial from 9.00pm.

  • St Andrew’s in Penrith will hold a service – Penrith Remembers Battle of the Somme – at 10.00am on Friday 1 July.

  • Holy Trinity, Langdale will hold a service tomorrow morning, ending with the blowing of the whistle at 7.30am.

  • Prayers will be said at Carlisle Cathedral at 12.30pm and 5.30pm on Friday 1 July.

You can read all the stories from around the Border region, remembering the Battle of the Somme, here.