Songs keep memories alive

Click here for images: Remembrance photo gallery

Second World War veterans were among the 200 people who packed into the Wulfrun Hall for an afternoon of entertainment yesterday.

They sang rousing songs such as O Valiant Heart, You'll Never Walk Alone and Land of Hope And Glory - despite Labour councillor Peter O'Neill calling for the anthem to be scrapped at last year's event because it was "too political".

Dambusters was sung by members of Wolverhamp-ton Orpheus Male Voice Choir.

They were joined by around 50 children from Villiers Primary School, Bilston.

City organist Steve Tovey performed and the West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band welcomed people to the festival by playing the bagpipes outside.

There was also a parade of standard bearers, a full service of remembrance and community singing.

Organiser Joe Hilton said: "It is a great event every year and it is an occasion that everybody should support.

"Unfortunately it is not as well supported as we would like it to be.

"It is sad for the veterans because it is about remembrance, but it is also exciting and there are too many memories for them not to get excited."

Male voice choir conductor Graham Hancox said: "It is important to keep it going because everyone knows what went on in the wars and we don't want anything like that to happen again.

"It is part of the heritage of Britain and this is a celebration of that."

Wolverhampton's mayor Councillor John Davis, who completed national service, said the event was full of mixed emotions.

"The days that they were living through during the war years have all gone, so there is a sense of relief," he said.

"And yet there is a sadness because of loved ones who have been lost and for young people who are still in the front line today."

"There were some great old tunes, some real tub-thumping ones, and it was great to see so many familiar faces.

"There was a lot of warmth and fellowship," Councillor Davis added.