One hundred years ago on July 1 at 7.30am a single whistle blast was blown, the signal for soldiers to leave their trenches and 'go over the top' and begin the advance into enemy territory. It was the start of the Battle of the Somme, one of the defining events of the First World War, and would last until November.

By the end of the first day some 57,000 Commonwealth and 2,000 French soldiers had become casualties, more than 19,000 of whom had been killed.

On the evening of the centenary of the Battle of Somme Westminster Abbey will be holding a service at 8pm broadcast live by the BBC followed by an overnight vigil. Various other communities throughout the UK will also be holding overnight vigils.

At Bournemouth there will be a 'Whistle for The Somme' event at the War Memorial in the Central Gardens on July 1 supported by the Wessex branch of the Western Front Association and the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth Cllr Edward Coope and Mrs Coope.

The short public ceremony will start at 7.25am in remembrance of the Battle of the Somme and the local fallen. At 7.30am Jenny Young, Westbourne Library Manager, will blow an original 1916 First World War whistle. The ceremony will include readings, laying of wreaths, a prayer by Fr John Lavers, the Mayor's Chaplain and one minute silence. The names of the 12 local men who died at the Somme on that day will also be read out.

The public are welcome to attend and join representatives of historical and military organisations and groups.

An early morning service will be held at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, Westminster Abbey and a national commemorative event at noon at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Thiepval Memorial in Northern France.

An exhibition of First World War artefacts from local collectors and historians will be on display on the first floor of Bournemouth Central Library on July 1 and 2. Items include postcards, soldier's bible, medals, cap badges and a bracelet made of French coins. There is also an Aspects of History talk on the Battle of the Somme with Rod Arnold at the library on July 6 at 11am.

On July 8 the exhibition moves to Westbourne Library where they will be showing the Imperial War Museum digitally remastered original 1916 film 'The Battle of the Somme' at 5.15pm.