Organisers of a festival to honour those who lost their lives in conflict have said they hope the event will appeal to a younger as well as an older generation.

The third annual Festival of Remembrance at Weymouth Pavilion is fast approaching, and this year the event organised by the Royal British Legion (RBL) comes as the country marks the centenary of the First World War.

The 2018 festival theme is ‘Thank You’, the British Legion’s main initiative this year which urges people to remember those of the First World War generation who sacrificed their lives to change the world.

Ian Jarvis, community fundraiser for RBL Dorset, co-organises the festival with Anna-Maria Geare, who is a member of vintage singing group The Decadettes and is passionate about the cause.

Anna-Maria said: “It’s important to remember where it all started. Sadly, there is still conflict, but we can say ‘thank you’ to the people that served back then.

“It’s not just saying thank you to the veterans, it’s a thank you to others such as women who went out to work for the first time.

“The first half of the production will be fun and cheerful, and the second half will be toned down and more reflective.”

More than 260 performers will take to the stage in this year's festival, with performances from local groups including the Dorset Rock Choir, Let’s Dance, choirs from Wyke Regis, St Augustine’s, St John’s and Budmouth schools, Bournemouth Youth Marching Band and the Decadettes.

There will also be poems written by primary school pupils on the theme of ‘thank you’, and a procession of standards by the Royal British Legions in Dorset and cadet forces.

Ian said: "It's the only festival of remembrance of its kind in Dorset and it's a way of bringing the Royal Albert Hall to Weymouth. It's about raising awareness of the British Legion and what it does in the local community."

Alongside a variety of performances, as in previous years, poppies will be dropped onto the stage and turn the floor into sea of red, when reflections will be given.

Anna-Maria added: "Veterans are of every age and they may not just be physically injured, they may be mentally injured too.

"It is for every generation, we want to encourage the idea of having younger people coming to see it. There is something for everybody."

The Festival of Remembrance will take place in Weymouth Pavilion on Sunday, November 4 at 6.30pm. Tickets can be bought from the box office.