AMBITIOUS plans to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with the creation of the largest Human Poppy by a community for the 1918 commemorations, are taking shape in Cirencester.

Organisers are hoping that as many as 5,000 people will attend the event from all over the Cotswolds, each wearing a red, green or black poncho and representing a fallen soldier.

Under the umbrella of ‘We Remember 1918’, the Cirencester Community Development Trust, are working with the Royal British Legion, the Barn Theatre, the 29th Regiment and clergy to bring a series of events to the town which will culminate in the formation of a human poppy at 2pm on Sunday, November 11 in the Market Place. There will also be a concert at the Parish Church and at the Corn Hall.

Cllr David Fowles, Acting Chairman of the Cirencester Community Development Trust, “We are trying to commemorate and celebrate the end of the First World War. Without the actions of the people we are remembering none of us would be here now.

“We also wanted to make it personal and enable people through the Human Poppy to represent a particular soldier.”

Corinne Lamus, a trustee at Cirencester Community Development Trust, added:”This is about saying thank you to those who served because without that we would not have the life we have now. I think this is gong to be a very emotional and amazing event.”

Barn Theatre artistic director Iwan Lewis said: “The human poppy idea really resonated with me. This seemed like a great way to bring people together to commemorate but also celebrate everything we have achieved since the war.

“We want as many people to turn up in one symbolic gesture.This will be a poppy with a difference - a living, breathing thing.”

He added: “Each person will represent someone who gave their lives in the conflict from the Cotswolds. Every Parish in the Cotswolds will be represented by the people who will be remembered.”

Those taking part include pupils from schools around the area, and villages are also putting out appeals to their residents.

“At the moment we know from numbers this is going to be a great success but we could always do with more. We want this to be an image of Cirencester that will last forever,” Iwan said.

To be part of the Human Poppy and enlist as a fallen soldier from this area email ccdtltd@cirencester.gov.uk. Visit cirencdt.org.uk for more.

As part of We Remember 1918 there are two major concerts planned in Cirencester. On Friday , November 9 the Royal British Legion concert will be held in the Parish Church, Market Place at 6.30pm. This will be an ‘Albert Hall’ style remembrance concert and will feature Pam Ayres and the Royal Chelsea Pensioners. Tickets £10 or £12 on the door and the Parish Church Shop.

And on the evening of Remembrance Sunday, November 11 at the Corn Hall, the Barn Theatre are holding a ‘Cotswold War Remembrance Spectacular’ at 7.30pm featuring West End stars and local talent.

Visit barntheatretickets.org.uk for tickets.