The Footscray-Yarraville City Band is drumming up support for a major tour marking 100 years since the end of World War I.
The Silent Anzac project commemorates the centenary of armistice WWI, honouring the many men and women of Melbourne’s west who enlisted to serve in the war.
Colin Harrison, the band’s Silent Anzac project manager, said the unprecedented sacrifice of lives in the First World War was a defining event that shaped Australia.
“The band has played a significant part in expressing our community’s deeply felt gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the men and women of our armed forces,” he said.
This year a Silent Anzac Road Show will attend local schools and community events, the band’s caravan displaying WWI memorabilia and providing research resources.
The project will culminate in a tour of France, Belgium and the UK in November, where the band will participate in official commemoration ceremonies.
The band will be performing its show in Paris, Amiens Cathedral and London, as well as conducting commemorative services at the Australian National Memorial in France and Menin Gate in Belgium.
The show depicts the characters and events from the opening of the Gallipoli campaign to the final months of the war.
“A highlight of the tour will be the commemoration ceremonies conducted by the band and the laying of wreaths and poppies,” Mr Harrison said.
Before heading overseas the band will be performing The Silent Anzac on October 27 at the Williamstown Town Hall. To dedicate a poppy or wreath, or sponsor or donate to the project, email contact@fycb.com.au.
