Distinguished Guests including the Vice-Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff will reflect on the Great War through the pen of poets of the day.

The Mayor will dedicate the bed and following the last post and two-minutes silence, she will lay a wreath.

Several schools have decorated poppies, which will form part of the Flanders bed display in the Dingle gardens.

Members of the public are encouraged to join invited guests and dignitaries from 11.30am at the Bandstand for a short commemoration of readings and music to mark 100 years since the start of the First World War.

On Sunday, the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Sir Algernon Heber-Percy KCVO, has arranged a special service at Shrewsbury Abbey commencing at 10am.

Leading the service will be the Vicar of Shrewsbury Abbey the Rev Paul Firmin, together with the Right Reverend Mark Rylands, Bishop of Shrewsbury and Father David Mawson, Chaplain, 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment.

Representatives from a cross section of society have been invited to the service. The role of Shropshire in World War I will be read by Councillor Malcolm Pate, Chairman of Shropshire Council. The lessons will be read by Major General J Crackett TD, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets) and Group Captain APT Smith MA RAF, Station Commander RAF Shawbury.

The Lord-Lieutenant will be leading a special Prayer at the service.

The Lord-Lieutenant said: “The service to mark the centenary of the beginning of World War I promises to be a very special occasion. I am looking forward to seeing so many people from all across the county to help commemorate this important anniversary.”