The Rhyme of No Man's Land

A FREE concert remembering the 1914 Christmas Truce in songs and words

As part of Mid Pennine Art’s Truce project and in partnership with Up for Arts, this will be a very special evening at St James’ Church, Accrington.

Featuring the Truce choir, a community choir led by Janet Swan. The Truce choir has attracted members from across the county and stands 100 strong. They have been preparing to commemorate the soldiers of the First World War by researching the period and learning songs relevant to the Christmas Truce of 1914, when soldiers from both the allied and German sides stopped fighting and instead joined in peaceful activities together which included playing football, singing carols, and exchanging gifts. 

As well as the Truce choir, students from Spring Hill Primary will perform a song especially written for the event by musician Steve Brown. Students from Hollins Technology College will give readings of poems and texts, including letters written by WW1 soldiers about the Truce. Actor John Meredith will perform monologues in the character of Sgt Meredith, a WW1 soldier who experienced the Truce.  The evening also features the inaugural display of The Great People’s Poppy, an artwork created by Emma Blackburn from individual poppies made by the public.

This is a FREE event but a ticket is required. 

Starting at 7pm and ending approximately at 9.30pm.  There will be an interval during which refreshments will be served.

Find out more about the Truce project on our website:  www.midpenninearts.org.uk/truce

Truce is funded by Heritage Lottery, LCC Arts Development, Granada Foundation, Hyndburn Homes and supported by BBC Radio Lancashire and Accrington Stanley FC.