Access to the Thiepval Memorial will be restricted over the immediate Somme Centenary period, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has announced.
Between June 16-26, and from July 4-9, pre-arranged visits only will be possible, escorted by CWGC staff.
Thiepval will be closed altogether from June 27-July 3 because of works required before and after the July 1 commemorations there marking the centenary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
Admission to the international remembrance service will be ticket-only, and tickets have already been allocated by public ballot.
The French authorities will also be imposing a security cordon from June 30-July 2, controlling access to the other major First World War memorials remembering the Somme near Albert.
For a map of the security zone, together with details of permitted visiting times at Thiepval in June/July, see ‘Essential Information for Somme 2016 visitors’ on the CWGC website.
The Royal British Legion is planning daily services at Thiepval from July-November to mark the 141 days of the Battle of the Somme.
Source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Images: Centenary News
Posted by: CN Editorial Team