CIRENCESTER will come together throughout 2014 to commemorate the centenary of the First World War with 12 months’ worth of special events.

The town council, along with organisations such as Cotswold Volunteers and the Corinium Museum, will be organising a year of events to reflect on the historic milestone.

Some of the events taking place in the town will include poetry competitions, theatre productions, public lectures and photographic exhibitions.

Andrew Tubb, chief executive of Cirencester Town Council, said: “We support the continued commitment and work of the Cirencester Community Development Trust and our various partners throughout the town in organising a range of events on behalf of Cirencester and the local community.”

Despite most of the year-long events taking place in the summer, the commemorative programme will start in the spring with a First World War poetry competition being held at Kingshill School.

Other calendar highlights include a vintage war-themed market on Tuesday, May 6, a production of Oh What a Lovely War by pupils at Deer Park School and the installation of a memorial plaque at New Brewery Arts.

Throughout the year, the Corinium Museum will also be holding educational sessions and lectures for children on First World War archaeology.

Organisers are hopeful that Lottery funding will be made available for the production of commemorative booklet that will be distributed to local residents.

The Friends of Cirencester Parish Church would like to hear from anybody with photos, letters or press cuttings from anytime between 1914 and 1918 – those able to help should contact ailsa_oconnor@btinternet.com.

For further information on Cirencester’s role in remembering the First World War, contact the town council on 01285 655646.