Soldiers and civilians will come together to remember a poignant moment in the First World War tonight.

A century on from English and German troops downing their weapons to play a game of football and sing carols at Christmas, the county town is hosting a match between Dorchester Town Football Club and an Army side at the Avenue Stadium.

There will be a service of remembrance and carols before the game as the community looks to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

The Dorset Echo-backed event will raise funds for two Army charities, Combat Stress and Blesma (The British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association).

Chairman of Dorchester Town Football Club Matt Lucas said the event was going to be a great occasion and was the culmination of some great work involving the community, Army and the football club. He said: “It’s going to be a big day and I think everybody around the club is really looking forward to it.”

Mr Lucas said incorporating the carols and remembrance service as well as the football match made it a real community and commemorative event.

He said: “To have all of that in one event is going to be very special.”

Mr Lucas praised the efforts of all those involved in putting the event on and said he hoped it would strengthen ties between the club and local Army garrisons.

He said: “In the meetings we have had leading up to the event it’s been great to work closely together. I think it’s something we can perhaps look to in the future as well.”

David Thomson is managing the Army side made up of Dorset based soldiers from Bovington and Blandford and said the troops are looking forward to the match and the occasion.

He said: “They are looking forward to it and are very excited. It’s such a great prospect.”

Community director for Dorchester Town FC Allen Knott said tickets were selling well and urged people to turn out in force on the night to make it a real occasion to remember and help raise as much as possible for the chosen charities.

Taking pride of place outside the ground will be a replica First World War tank that feature in the film Warhorse, courtesy of Bovington Tank Museum.

The pre-match commemorative events will include a re-enactment of the Christmas Armistice from young people involved in the Walking in Their Shoes project as well as music from the Royal Artillery Band and singing from a military wives choir.

The game will also receive global coverage as it is due to be broadcast on the British Forces Broadcasting Service to troops serving around the world.

  • Tickets will be on sale on the night or in advance from the football club between 9.30am and 2.30pm on 01305 262451 or the Dorchester Tourist Information Centre in Antelope Walk.

Inspector liaises with organisers

Inspector Steve Marsh of Dorchester Police said he has been liaising closely with the organisers of the match to make sure the event is safe and successful.

He said the local force would be providing two special constables on the day as well as assisting with the safe movement of the tank that is being used on the night to and from Bovington, Insp Marsh added: “I will be attending to represent the local policing team.

“I am sure that many in the town and surrounding area are all working together to make the event a success and a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in the war.”

Dorchester Town Council has also been heavily involved in the organisation of the event, while sponsorship for the special occasion has come from Dorchester Mobility, Precision Engineering and Great Western Electrical Distributors.

Event timetable

5.30am – Gates and bar open.
6.45pm – Spectators take seats for commemoration event starting with WW1 re-enactment from Walking in their Shoes project.
6.50pm – Military band march on and take up position on pitch.
7.00pm – With standard bearers, VIP and choir now on the pitch, the General Salute is taken before the service begins.
7.17pm – Act of Remembrance with one minute’s silence to follow the Last Post.
7.32pm – Presentation and blessing of the wreath before the national anthem and final blessing.
7.45pm – Match kick-off.
8.30pm – Half time with military band playing during the interval.
8.45pm – Second half.
9.30pm – Post match medal presentations.