A series of events are taking place today and throughout August to commemorate the start of the First World War.

Public buildings in Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Epping will remain in darkness between 10pm and 11pm tonight, with households invited to do the same while leaving a single light or flame.

Town halls in Forest Road, Walthamstow, High Road, Ilford, and High Steet, Epping, will all be marking the occasion.

Waltham Forest council will hold a flag raising ceremony at Walthamstow Assembly Hall in Forest Road between 8pm and 9.45pm.

During this time, residents will be able to watch a variety of performances, including poems of remembrance and visit a display of art and First World War photography.

A candlelit vigil, taking place at 10pm at south Chingford’s town square in Albert Crescent, has been organised by Hatch Lane councillor Geoff Walker in conjunction with the Royal British Legion and Christian churches across Chingford.

Leytonstone Library in Church Lane is hosting an exhibition exploring the ways people in Leytonstone coped during the First World War.

The free exhibition, curated by the Leyton and Leytonstone Historical Society, runs until August 31 and can be visited between 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, until 6pm on Saturdays and from midday to 4pm on Sundays. 

Walthamstow library in High Street will present a special Royal Mail exhibition showcasing six enlarged stamps released to mark the Great War.