Empowering communities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; the project will inspire people of all ages to come together to explore their First World War heritage, remember the impact that the First World War had on their local community and play music from the era as a mark of commemoration.

Community groups will research and share the stories of local people and places from the war and then hold a commemorative event. At every event, the Last Post ceremonial call will be played in a variety of styles to remember someone in their community; not just on bugles but on any instrument from pianos and cellos to guitars and drums.

Designed and piloted by Superact in 2013 with support from the Department for Communities and Local Government, The Last Post project has been awarded £92,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to roll out the project in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2014.

Last Post events this year will take place across the UK in November 2014 as part of a ‘Last Post fortnight’.

To get involved and organise a Last Post event, community organisations and groups across the country are being urged to register their details on The Last Post website to receive an information pack and learn more about the project.

Commenting, Virginia Crompton, Superact’s Executive Producer of The Last Post project said: “The Last Post is an innovative project that will make the First World War Centenary accessible in a creative way. We have already seen how Last Post events engage and inspire communities through the nine pilots we launched this year and we can’t wait to see the project spread across the UK.”

Explaining the importance of the HLF support, Carole Souter, Heritage Lottery Fund Chief Executive added: “This nationwide project will reach out to new audiences for heritage and help local communities explore and understand their First World War stories in an imaginative way.”

Notes to Editors

About Superact
Superact is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that uses music and the arts to develop a wide range of social impact projects. Based in the UK but with an international reach, Superact delivers a wide range of participatory creative interventions that make a positive difference in key areas of community development, skills development, employability and health and wellbeing.

About the Heritage Lottery Fund
In total since April 2010, HLF has awarded more than £56m to over 700 First World War Centenary projects.

About the First World War Centenary Partnership
2014 - 2018 marks the Centenary of the First World War, a landmark anniversary for Britain and the world. The First World War Centenary Partnership, led by IWM is a growing network of more than 2,900 local, regional, national and international cultural and educational organisations in 49 countries who together will be presenting a vibrant programme of cultural events and activities, and digital platforms which will enable millions of people across the world to discover more about life in the First World War.

About the Department for Communities and Local Government
The Department for Communities and Local Government works to move decision making power from central government to communities, putting them in charge of local services and planning, showing them how their money is being spent, and working to bring communities and people from all backgrounds together.

Further information

Katharine Lane, The Last Post Project Manager, 07760 660 628 / 01172 140 366, email: Katharine@superact.org.uk.

Nick Roberts, Superact Communications Manager, 07966 224 375 / 01172 140 366, email: Nickr@superact.org.uk.