The second 14-18 NOW season takes place between March and November 2016 and encompasses new works of literature, music, theatre, dance and film. Among the highlights are Fashion & Freedom at Manchester Art Gallery; Africa Express with Damon Albarn; and Dr Blighty, telling the story of the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who came from India to fight for the allies.

Supported by HLF, Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 14-18 NOW is a series of special commissions for artists from around the world to create new works in response to the First World War and its impact on the world we live in today.

The programme is UK-wide and includes many free and participatory events, aiming to engage as many people as possible. The first season of 14-18 NOW, in 2014, was experienced by more than 19 million people.

[quote=Sir Peter Luff, HLF Chair]​"The 2016 anniversaries mark some of the defining moments of the First World War."[/quote]

Sir Peter Luff, HLF Chair, said: “The 2016 anniversaries mark some of the defining moments of the First World War including the introduction of conscription, the Battle of Jutland and the Battle of the Somme.

"Arts and culture helped people make sense of these devastating events 100 years ago; 14-18 NOW continues that role today and is only possible thanks to National Lottery players.”

Full details of the new 14-18 NOW programme are available on the 14-18 NOW website.

How to get involved with the First Word Centenary

So far, HLF has given more than £70m to more than 1,300 First World War heritage projects, large and small. Grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 are still available through HLF’s community programme First World War: Then and Now. HLF also offers grants of more than £10,000. Find out more on the Our Grant Programmes page.