23 Sep 2014
VISITFLANDERS invite press to be part of the commemoration of a moment in history that ensured the 'race to the sea' was not lost to the Germans. Taking place from Thursday 16th October – Saturday 18th October 2014, this will be a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to witness the human light torch chain which will be created along the lines of the Western Front in Nieuwpoort, also site of a new Visitor Centre. The event is followed by a special concert by Belgian musician ArnoPress will be invited to participate in the creation of the "Coming World Remember Me" sculpture as well as experiencing Talbot House in Poperinge, ahead of its 100th anniversary next year. 2016 will see the 30,000 Last Post ceremony taking place in Ypres and press will be able to visit to experience this moving ceremony in person.
The following draft itinerary is planned:
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Thursday 16th October |
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8.15am |
Meet at St Pancras to catch the 8.58am Eurostar to Lille. |
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AM |
Arrive Lille and transfer to mini-bus to drive to Poperinge |
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PM |
Visit to Heavy Traffic – New exhibition in Poperinge & Talbot House |
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Evening |
Arrive at Menin Gate for the Last Post and dinner. |
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Friday 17th October |
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AM |
Depart for Lijssenthoek Military cemetery and visitor centre |
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Tour of Polygon Woods & Buttes New British Cemetery, NZ Memorial to the Missing and Australian Memorial to the Fifth Australian Division. |
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Midday |
Transfer to Nieuwpoort and Lunch |
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PM |
Coming World Remember Me Workshop – Participate in making a sculpture in the atelier in Nieuwpoort. Followed by a trip to the Visitor Centre Westfront, Nieuwpoort for Light Front Press Conference and visit to the Visitor Centre |
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Late afternoon |
Arrive new Visitor Centre Westfront, Nieuwpoort for Light Front Press Conference and visit to the Visitor Centre and buffet. |
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Evening |
View the Light Front from the press centre in Nieuwpoort followed by concert by Arno |
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Saturday 18th October |
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AM |
Boat trip from Nieuwpoort to Diksmuide followed by a visit to the Museum on the Yser (Yser Tower) and lunch |
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PM |
visit to Death Trenches of Diksmuide and Vladslo German Cemetery |
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Mid afternoon |
Depart on train to return to London |
Please note VISITFLANDERS can only accept press with valid commissions.
For more information about this press trip please contact:
Karen Roebuck
Great War Centenary Project Manager
VISITFLANDERS
