The Hallé Orchestra, Lemn Sissay

The Battle of the Somme resulted in over one million casualties on the Western Front and touched the lives of millions of families at home.

To commemorate the centenary of the battle, Heaton Park will host an evening concert on Friday 1st of July. The concert offers the opportunity to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice made by so many.

Starting at 7.30pm on Friday 1st July 2016, the concert features soldiers songs from the time performed by a National Children's Choir, interwoven with archive film.

A breath-taking dance piece will then be followed at approx. 8.30pm by the Hallé Orchestra, who will play several well known pieces linked to the First World War, including a piece by George Butterworth, a young English composer who died at the Somme.

The concert will also feature a range of letters, poems and diary entries depicting the lives of those affected by the Somme, including a specially commissioned poem read by author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay. It will finish at sundown at 9:45pm.

The performance is suitable for all ages.

Please note that the concert site will open from 6:00pm. People are encouraged to use public transport and to bring rugs to sit on. Food and drink will also be available to purchase.

Prior to the concert from 4:00pm, the park will also host The Experience Field, an outdoor heritage event showcasing stories, artefacts and expert information about life on the home and western fronts a century ago.

The Experience Field is also free and open to all - no booking required.