BITTERSWEET farewells will be replicated on the platform of Crewe railway station this Sunday, September 21 in a theatrical and musical commemoration.

Over By Christmas will be performed on platform 12 at 12.30pm and 1.30pm in a free event.

The choral commemoration features the words and songs of the First World War and captures the spirit of optimism and patriotism of soldiers leaving for the front 100 years ago.

A community choir of ‘soldiers’, ‘nurses’ and their loved ones will recreate the departure accompanied by live musicians.

Sally Buttifant, Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership officer, said: "It is putting the spotlight on stations as the places from where the soldiers departed 100 years ago – stations then and now, places where lives are changed and journeys begin and end."

Sally added: "It has been a really exciting project bringing together Arriva, Merseyrail, Virgin, Northern Rail, Station Friends and volunteers, rail user groups, the community and Theatre In The Quarter.

"We believe that it is leading the way in terms of the railway and remembering the First World War."

Matt Baker, artistic director of Theatre in the Quarter said: “It has been a real thrill to see how many people across the county are involved.

“With the added participation of children from over 20 schools, and the many organisations who are rallying around to support the performances, it is clear that the project has really inspired people across the generations.”

John Hulme, vice chairman of Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association, said within two weeks of war being declared 670 trains throughout the country carried 118,000 men, 37,650 horse, 314 large guns and 1,800 bicycles along with thousands of tons of baggage to Southampton to board ships to continental Europe.

John added: "Many waved their sons, boyfriends and husbands off under the illusion that the hostilities would be over by christmas.”

For more information visit theatreinthequarter.co.uk