More than 100 people turned out in Chippenham for the Royal British Legion’s Lights Out event marking 100 years since Britain entered the First World War.
There was a sombre and respectful atmosphere in Market Place on Monday night as people held lit candles and listened as the names of the fallen were read out.
Mayor John Scragg and Scouts helped to read names from the war memorial.
Chippenham RBL president Jim Scott and chairman Irene Sinclair read poems, including John McCrae’s 1915 poem In Flanders Fields.
Candles were blown out until just one was left burning and The Last Post was played on two bugles.
RBL treasurer Julie Shore said: “When the last candle was blown out people stood in silence with their thoughts, thanking God it wasn’t us and we were able to stand there free thanks to them and what they did.”
“We were very pleased with the turn-out. It wasn’t regimental, it was very low-key.”
The RBL is also holding a free centenary commemoration in John Coles Park on Sunday, August 31, from 2pm to 5pm.
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