Lights will be turned off tonight in memory of the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.
A century ago today, Great Britain declared war on Germany and joined a global conflict which lasted for four years and cost the lives of millions of men and women.
To mark the exact moment Britain entered the fray, lights across the country will be put out at 10pm.
In Leicester, a single candle will remain alight at the cathedral during a service as worshippers take part in a shared moment of reflection and remember the fallen.
Similar vigils will be observed at the University of Leicester, Victoria Park War Memorial, De Montfort Hall, County Hall and many other locations across Leicestershire and Rutland. City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "I'm glad here in Leicester we are able to join in with this national hour of quiet reflection, a fitting way to remember the outbreak of the First World War.
"Turning out the lights is a symbolic gesture of respect for those who gave their lives, as well as showing our solidarity with families everywhere who may have lost loved ones in conflict since the First World War."
The inspiration for Lights Out comes from a remark made on the eve of the war by Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey, who said: "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime."
The Dean of Leicester, the Very Rev David Monteith, said: "The First World War affected every family and every community.
"Even today, we are still trying to understand our history and learn from it. When the lights go out, we need hope."
Leicester Cathedral houses the Leicester Regiment Military Chapel, which includes the names of those Tigers soldiers who died between 1914 and 1918.
The Mercury has also gathered the names of more than 5,000 servicemen and women from numerous regiments who were killed in the conflict and we have compiled a roll of honour on our website.
Leicester Mercury deputy editor Mark Clayton said: "The centenary gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who laid down their lives and celebrate the courageous men from Leicestershire and Rutland who died fighting for our country.
"The roll of honour is our way of trying make sure as many servicemen as possible are remembered for their bravery and sacrifice."
