AN OPEN-air memorial service, displays of poppies and a regimental parade will all be held to mark the First World War centenary.

The line-up of events, which also include a number of exhibitions, make up Brighton and Hove City Council’s programme of remembrance for the 100-year anniversary.

Council leader Jason Kitcat said the events would reflect upon the courage and sacrifice made by local people.

He said: “The war affected so many lives in so many different ways, and the council has been working with a range of organisations to develop a vibrant and respectful programme of events.

“Whether at a memorial service, visiting an exhibition, or taking in the sight of a sea of red poppies, there will be a range of opportunities for people to mark the anniversary.”

The first major event will see members of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR) march through the streets of Brighton and Hove on Armed Forces Day, June 28.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion will start from the Peace Statue in Hove at 11am.

They will march along the seafront, up West Street and North Street before arriving in New Road at 11.20am. There they will be inspected and joined by veterans and cadets.

July 12 will see the opening of the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery flagship centenary exhibition called War Stories: Voices from the First World War.

The exhibition will tell the stories of a number of Brighton and Hove residents, including a young girl born into war in 1914 and an Albion footballer who went off to the Western Front.

The main memorial event to mark the anniversary of the outbreak of war on August 4 will be held the day before in the east gardens of the Royal Pavilion.

At 3pm an inter-faith service led by the Bishop of Chichester will be held.

As previously reported in The Argus, a sea of poppies was planted earlier this year on grass verges around the city and should start blooming in the coming weeks.

Other events being held include the annual Chattri Memorial service remembering Indian soldiers on June 8 at 2.30pm, a production of Oh What a Lovely War performed by students from City College on June 18 and 19 at 6.30pm and the screening of First World War blockbuster War Horse at the Brighton Big Screen on June 29.

There will also be a display of posters and photographs celebrating the role Brighton played as a hospital city in the First World War on the seafront from July 9 to August 31.

For more details visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/WW1.