A UNIQUE Great War commemorative service blending role play and period songs will be staged in Winsford this month.

The town council event, in Winsford Cross Shopping Centre at 2pm on Sunday July 27, will feature poignant performances and acts of remembrance to mark a hundred years since the conflict began with Austria Hungary’s declaration of war on Serbia.

Winsford town mayor, clr Gina Lewis, said: “The beginning of the First World War was a momentous event in our history and had a huge impact on local communities, including here in Winsford, as can clearly be seen from the many, many, inscriptions on the town’s war memorials.

“I do hope people of all ages will join us on this very special and poignant occasion.”

Led by the mayor’s chaplain, Reverend Tim Hanson, the service will begin with an in-character soldier performance by local author, John Malam.

Community Choir, VoCEL, and youngsters from Willow Wood Community Primary School Choir will then perform marching songs from the First World War.

Representatives of the Winsford Branch of the Royal British Legion will narrate ‘Winsford Lads go to War’ and before the town mayor lays a wreath on behalf of all Winsfordians.

The service will end with VoCEL leading the singing of ‘Eternal Father, Strong to Save’ – often referred to as ‘The Hymn of Her Majesty's Armed Forces’.

The event is the first of many planned across Winsford to mark the Great War’s centenary.

Between September 17-21, the Winsford Salt Fair will have First World War as its main theme – looking at the impact of the war on those who worked in the local salt industry and their families, through information displays, demonstrations and practical activities.

There will be a re-enactment of a First World War era classroom, a memorial to local ‘salt soldiers’ who left the mines for the front line, tree plantings, ‘poppy cruises’ on the flashes and a ‘farewell to the boys’ evening, marking local lads’ departure to Europe.

On September 26, the Over Allotments Association will present the nationally renowned Mikron Theatre Company’s production of Troupers – Concerts at the Front’.

On November 9, crowds will gather for Remembrance Sunday at Winsford Cross Shopping Centre.