RESIDENTS across East Lancashire are set to take part in the national ‘Lights Out’ event to commemorate the start of the First World War.

The event has been inspired by the then Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey’s remark: “The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”

The Royal British Legion, alongside local councils, are encouraging everyone to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on Monday, August 4, leaving only a single light or candle as a symbolic act of reflection and hope.

The ‘Lights Out’ events are part of the ‘14-18 Now’ cultural programme marking the centenary. Corporation Park in Preston New Road, Blackburn, will host an event from 9.30pm.

Guests can take their own candles and will be able to pay their respects to all those who sacrificed their lives during the First World War.

The traditional two- minute silence and flag- lowering ceremony will also take place.

Towneley Hall, Burnley, will hold an event from 9.45pm on the night.

A torch-lit parade will take place from the Riverside car park and will progress to the war memorial in the hall’s grounds.

The parade will be followed by a service of remembrance including a speech from the Mayor of Burnley, Coun Andrew Tatchell, a service by Churches Together and Building Bridges and a two-minute silence.

Mayor of Ribble Valley Coun Michael Ranson, is to plant a dove tree in Clitheroe Castle Grounds at 6pm before the Lights Out event at 10pm.

Coun Ranson said: “We are all connected to the First World War, through our family history, the fallen in our local communities, or its long-term impact on society.”

The public will be in- vited to light their own tea-light in memory of a specific person, the borough’s fallen, or as a call to peace.

The Accrington Pals Memorial in Church Street, Accrington, will also host a public event from 10pm the same night.

Several members of Accrington Pipe Band and the British Legion Standard Bearers will be in attendance.

Rossendale Council will host an event from 10pm at its Futures Park offices in Bacup.

Up the road in Whitworth, there will be a candle-lit ceremony in the Remembrance Gardens at the same time.

An event will also be held in Market Place, Darwen, from 9pm.

Michael Hughes, of Accrington British Legion, said: “Please show your support, even if only for a few minutes. Light a candle and remember the past. Everyone is welcome.”