A city pub will mark the poignant moment in the history of the First World War, when British and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate Christmas in 1914.
The Albion Inn will reenact the Christmas Truce on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, to mark the 100th anniversary of this momentous ceasefire on the Western Front.
Exactly a century after the gunfire stopped in No Man’s Land and the soldiers began to sing Christmas carols will be recreated with dramatic presentations, songs and even a football match on Albion Street.
Led by musical director Matt Baker guests will hear the words of the soldiers as they called to each other from below the parapets.
Matt said: “Being so involved in commemorative events at the moment with my theatre company, Theatre in the Quarter, it seems incredibly special that we will mark the exact evening when all these things took place. The Albion has always been dedicated to commemorations of events from the First World War; I have even accompanied some of the veterans who, before they all passed away, would go there and sing songs.”
Landlord Mike Mercer added “We hold special evenings every year to honour those who served in the First World War, and we will continue to do so throughout the five year anniversary. However we felt it would be very fitting to re-enact some of the astounding events of Christmas Eve 1914, especially as we know that the Cheshire Regiment were involved.”
Mike Mercer and his team will provide a supper of ‘trench rations’ for the guests.
He added “Even if it is pouring down we will still go out on to the street after supper and have a quick game of football to mark the matches that were played between the British and German troops on Christmas Day 1914.”
The Christmas Truce event starts at 7pm. For more information telephone Mike Mercer on 01244 340345.
