A POIGNANT and moving night of remembrance marked the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War at St George’s Hall.

The 68th Bradford (Yorkshire) Festival of Remembrance included performances by a host of groups including the City of Bradford Brass Band.

Around 600 people, including the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mike Gibbons, attended the event hosted by Eccleshill-born Emmerdale actor Duncan Preston last night.

Former Bradford Grammar School pupil Mr Preston, said: “I feel honoured to do it and privileged to be asked.

“It’s a special time of year. The services that take place are quite remarkable.

“I have relatives myself who fought. It’s a moving event, especially with the flags.”

Mezzo-Soprano Claire McKay also took to the stage, while a parade of standards was led by parade marshal Dave West.

Poppy petals for the fallen descended during a one minute silence and the playing of the Last Post.

A community singing section of the concert included well-known wartime songs such as We’ll Meet Again, Land of Hope and Glory and The White Cliffs of Dover.

The choir of St John’s Primary School performed three songs including Lean On Me and Love Can Build a Bridge.

Prayers for peace and to remember the fallen also featured in the concert.

Bingley-based Paper Zoo Theatre’s Julia and Damien O’Keeffe also staged a First World War concert party featuring songs and poems from the Great War, including a recruitment song for the Bradford Pals.

This year’s Festival of Remembrance also featured Deputy-Lieutenant, Major Stan Hardy and was led by Canon Ralph Crowe and Father Kieron Walker.

Ten pupils, aged between six and 21, from Keighley-based Sara Packham Theatre School performed a medley of songs, dance and poetry in their 15-minute stint.

Sara said: “It’s very nice to be asked. For some of our performers it is the first time that they have done anything like this.

“We have kept our performance in keeping with the show.”

The ceremonial sunset was performed by Bradford Sea Cadets before the concert concluded with John Broadhead, the son of a Bradford Pal, giving the Kohima Epitaph and the playing of the national anthem.