Theresa May is encouraging local residents to take part in the Lights Out initiative on Monday 4th August to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. Everyone in the UK is invited to take part in Lights Out by turning off their lights from 10pm to 11pm, or leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection on the centenary of the First World War.
Lights Out’s inspiration stems from the then Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey’s famous remark on the eve of the outbreak of the war: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our life-time”. Britain declared war on Germany at 11pm on 4th August 1914.
Millions of people are expected to participate in Lights Out, and hundreds of local authorities, iconic buildings, national organisations and places of worship will also be getting involved. National landmark buildings including the Houses of Parliament, Eden Project, the Imperial War Museums and Tower Bridge will also turn off their lights.
The occasion will be marked in Maidenhead in the Town Hall, where the light in the Mayor’s Parlour will be illuminated between 10pm and 11pm on 4th August.
Commenting, Theresa said: “The 100th anniversary of the First World War is a key milestone for our country. It is crucial that we commemorate the events of the First World War and continue to consider the effect that it had on this country and across Europe. Lights Out is an important opportunity for us to mark the outbreak of the conflict, and to reflect upon the sacrifices that so many people made serving their country 100 years ago.”
For more information on Lights Out please visit www.1418now.org.uk/lights-out
