Norfolk beach picked for Danny Boyle’s Remembrance Sunday tribute

Danny Boyle on Sunny Sands beach. Picture: Tabatha Fireman:Getty (Image: Archant)

The Trainspotting director is inviting communities around the UK to gather on beaches on Sunday, November 11 to mark the centenary of Armistice and the end of the First World War.

The public is invited to assemble at one of a number of beaches at low-tide.

Brancaster beach in north Norfolk has been chosen for the eastern region.

On each beach, over the course of several hours, a portrait of an individual from the First World War will emerge from the sand. And then, as the tide rises, be washed away as we take a moment to say a collective goodbye.

Brancaster beach. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2008)

The event, Pages of the Sea is commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the UK's arts programme for the First World War centenary, and delivered with partner organisations across the the country.

Mr Boyle said: 'Pages of the Sea will be a unique moment, when we'll say goodbye, together, to the millions of men and women who left their shores during the First World War.

'Beaches are truly public spaces, where nobody rules other than the tide. They seem the perfect place to gather and say a final goodbye and thank you to those whose lives were taken or affected by the First World War.

'I'm inviting people to watch as the faces of the fallen are etched in the sand, and for communities to come together to remember the sacrifices that were made by so many that changed our society forever.'

A Brancaster resident, who did not wish to be named, said: 'We are very pleased and honoured to be chosen.'

In addition, the public will be asked to join in by creating silhouettes of people in the sand, remembering the millions of lives lost or changed forever by the conflict.

Poet Carol Ann Duffy will write a new sonnet, which will be read by individuals, families and communities on the beaches on November 11.

For more information visit www.pagesofthesea.org.uk/beaches/