A COVID commemoration event will be held next month to remember those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.

The event, which is called Commemoration – Remembering and Celebrating the Loves, Lives and Losses of the Last Two Years, will take place on Saturday, March 26, at the Mercury Theatre.

The two-hour commemoration, which begins at 7.30pm, will include music, readings, poetry, and special performances – with entrance to the Mercury Theatre free of charge.

Gazette: Host venue – the Mercury Theatre will be hosting the commemoration event next monthHost venue – the Mercury Theatre will be hosting the commemoration event next month

Both amateur and professional music groups have been invited to perform at the evening, which will be streamed via Colchester Borough Council’s YouTube channel.

Designed to give people the chance to remember those lost during the pandemic, as well as thank carers and frontline workers for their efforts. the commemoration is being developed by Colchester Council along with the Mercury Theatre.

High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell, The Bishop of Colchester Roger Morris, Hunnaball Funeral Directors, and the Colchester Garrison are also involved in organising the event.

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Councillor Robert Davidson, Mayor of Colchester, said the evening will allow to look forward to a better future, with the pandemic nearing its end.

He said: “The last two years have been a very difficult and a trying period for all of us and it is right that we have time to remember those we have lost, and thank those key services and our communities who have unselfishly helped support us through the pandemic.

“This performance promises to be a poignant and uplifting reminder of how we all came together to support each other and that, while we are still living with Covid, Colchester can look forward to a better future.”

Gazette: Covid heroes – the event will remember those lost to Covid, as well as those who have saved people's livesCovid heroes – the event will remember those lost to Covid, as well as those who have saved people's lives

He added he was hoping as many people as possible could follow the commemoration, be it in person or via the live stream.

“We want as many people as possible to be able to watch the event when it is being staged and we encourage community groups and others to look at staging events where it can be streamed live.”

Individuals can register their interest via the Mercury Theatre’s website.