HISTORY lovers have two special chances to see a screening of a legendary First World War film free in Southend this week.

There will be two free screenings of the historic film on the Battle of the Somme centenary at 11am this Friday on Southend’s big screen.

These unique events outside The Forum, Southend, in Elmer Square, take place exactly 100 years since the start of the notorious 141-day Battle of the Somme.

Southend was chosen as one of just 100 towns across the country to screen this 1916 film as part of The Imperial War Museum’s Somme 100 project.

The screening at 11am will feature a recorded soundtrack.

However the one at 7pm will be accompanied by a full symphony orchestra of 60 players seated underneath the screen to perform live music composed by Laura Rossi.

The musicians are all local professional players, teachers and students, who have come together to form Southend Orchestra 100 for this momentous occasion.

A Somme guide and senior curator from the Imperial War Museum will start the evening with a talk at 7pm before the film screening begins at 7.30pm.

Both screenings of this 74-minute film at 11am and 7pm are suitable for anyone from 11 years old upwards.

The Battle of the Somme film remains one of the most successful British films ever made.

Smiling awkwardly at the new-fangled cameras, troops move towards the Front in the Great War.

Their actions are far removed from the swagger and march of war films, but this is real.

It is estimated over 20 million tickets were sold in Great Britain in the first two months of release, and the film was distributed worldwide to demonstrate to allies and neutral, Britain’s commitment to the First World War.

Meanwhile, Christopher Langdon, education assistant and Roll of Honour Outreach Officer for Southend Museums will be in the Forum foyer from 10am to 4pm, with original objects and replica items on display, to explain more about the Somme Offensive and its impact in Southend.

Audience members coming to watch the film at 11am or 7pm are invited to bring their own folding seats, or cushions and blankets.