Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.
From For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon
On Saturday 3rd October, Friends of the Ancient Monuments present a unique event to commemorate the men of Winchelsea who served in the First World War. The cellar of Lines End will be transformed into a command post in the trenches of northern France in 1915.
Pegasus and town actors will present an hour long programme of music and words from the Great War including work by Elgar, Holst and Gurney, with readings from RC Sheriff, Sebastian Faulks and Siegfried Sassoon.
The event will commence in the Court Hall with a paid bar: Court Hall, High Street, Winchelsea, TN36 4EA
The audience will then be led to the performance in the cellar at Lines End. The event will raise funds for FOAM. and there will be an opportunity to donate to the Royal British Legion to remember the sacrifice of an incredible generation of Winchelsea residents.
There will be 3 performances each with a capacity of 30 people. You are advised to book early, each performance about 1 hour, no interval
Memories of Winchelsea in the Great War, with thanks to Malcolm Pratt.
On their departure these brave young men of Winchelsea marched through the town on their way to the trenches.
The town was shorn of civilian young men who were away serving their country. The impact of the war brought devastation to the town, reports of death and injury of men arrived with remorseless regularity. Residents recalled seeing gun flashes from France when watching from the Lookout and the roar of distant guns could often be heard across the town.
Phil Mack & Nigel Aston
Producer/ director For the Fallen.
Tickets are available here.
Venue: Lines End Theatre, Winchelsea, TN36 4HT
