Century celebrations for armistice

A living tribute set to honour more than 60,000 brave Australians who lost their lives during World War I is taking place in Geelong on Wednesday, November 7.

The City of Greater Geelong is proud to be hosting the Armistice Living Tribute at Johnstone Park with three free street theatre performances at noon, 2pm and 4pm.

The shows are in recognition of the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Armistice on November 11 1918, which brought an end to World War I.

The 20-minute show features professional circus artists performing acrobatics, with music from the Geelong Memorial Brass Band.

It pays tribute to the World War One musicians who also acted as stretcher bearers, an Australian Army tradition that started in the Boer War and continued through to the Vietnam War.

City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Peter Murrihy said the free street performance to come together as a community and commemorate the centenary of the Armistice.

“We encourage everyone to attend and honour the more than 60,000 brave Australians who lost their lives during World War I.

Colin Whitehand Geelong Memorial Brass Band secretary said the Geelong Memorial Brass Band was formed in 1946 as a living memorial for all returned service personnel.

“Our uniform reflects the Army, Navy and Airforce services. We are honoured to be a part of the tribute recognising this important centenary.”

The performance highlights the significance of the Armistice and encourages Victorians to participate in commemorations and activities on Remembrance Day.

The acrobatic and musical performance is supported by the Victorian government as the final event of the four-year Anzac Centenary campaign.

You can join the conversation about the Armistice Centenary by using the hashtag #ArmisticeVictoria on social media.