CHRISTCHURCH is set to host a number of events commemorating the centenary of the start of World War One.

From an armed forces day to school projects, a series of special events are planned to mark the anniversary of the Great War.

Already a rose garden has been opened at Church Hatch gardens, and youngsters from Christchurch schools are being asked to take part in a project, turning a classroom at their school into a Great War Museum.

Burton Armed Forces day on June 15 – Fathers Day – will recognise the challenges faced by forces on active service around the world, and all veterans are welcome at the event.

On June 29, the New Forest Airfields annual service will be held at Holmsley memorial from 2pm.

A Tribute to the Fallen, organised by Christchurch Royal British Legion and Band, along with the council, will be held at Christchurch Quay on July 20 from 12noon-6pm.

The military tattoo will consist of wind and brass bands, choirs and other charities as well as marching displays and vehicle displays.

It will culminate with a massed band Drumhead Service led by Revd Christopher Mann of Christchurch Priory. Christchurch Library will also be holding a series of talks, book displays and readings throughout September including Animals in Wartime, Women at War and readings, letters and poems of war time.

The Red House Museum will open an exhibition on October 11, entitled the Soldier’s Journey with local content, with the Poppy Appeal launch in Saxon Square on October 25.

A Christchurch Festival of Remembrance will be held at the Priory on November 1, led by the Royal British Legion’s director of music, Nick Jarvis.

On November 2, the Regent Centre’s ‘For Queen and Country’ festival will take place with standards paraded, sound effects, archive film clips and live music. On December 2, an evening of songs and stories inspired by the two world wars will be held at The Old School House in Highcliffe.