Veterans' show comes home

A special stage has been set up at De Montfort Hall to improve access for elderly veterans taking part in the annual Festival of Remembrance.

The ceremony was moved to Leicester Cathedral last year amid fears that veterans would be at risk of falling up the steep stairs on the way to the stage.

The Royal British Legion said that as veterans were getting older, it was becoming increasingly difficult for them to climb the steps at the hall.

But earlier this year, bosses at De Montfort Hall contacted Leicestershire's Royal British Legion to say they had found a solution.

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A one-off stage, with fewer steps, has been built especially for the ceremony.

Royal British Legion county secretary Michelle Greenwell said she was delighted to see the event returning to De Montfort Hall, where it had been held annually for 57 years.

"The steps being provided are more shallow than previous years, increasing the safety of our veterans," she said. "The move last year was taken with a heavy heart so it's great news to all involved that the event is back where it first began over half a century ago."

Leicester Cathedral seats 600, while De Montfort Hall has capacity for more than 2,000.

De Montfort Hall general manager Antony Flint said: "We are delighted that the Royal British Legion is returning to De Montfort Hall for their annual Festival of Remembrance. We're very proud to be involved."

The remembrance tradition celebrates past and present servicemen and women, joined by their friends and family to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The festival also celebrates those fighting for peace in the world today.

Music for the evening is being provided by The Band of the Royal Marines.

The festival takes place at 7pm on Saturday.

For tickets, call the box office on 0116 233 3111, or visit: www.demontforthall.co.uk