More than 3,000 people and participants are expected to attend one of the biggest First World War centenary events outside London.

The commemoration drumhead service at the Spitfire St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury takes place today.

Led by the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, the Very Revd Robert Willis, the event will also feature many military attractions.

The 3rd Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and Band will parade before the service.

Cadets, military bands, the Salvation Army Band, Brompton and Shorncliffe Military Wives Choirs and Cathedral choirs from Canterbury and Rochester will also be taking part.

The Flying Tigers, the freefall parachute team, will provide a dramatic climax by landing on the cricket pitch.

The Kent Lieutenancy is hosting the event with huge support from armed forces, civilian, emergency, veterans’ and volunteer organisations.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount De L’Isle, Her Majesty’s representative in the county, said: “This year, we remember the ending of the First World War, commemorating the Armistice that brought peace after four years of bloody battle.

“I believe this centenary service will be a truly memorable occasion for all those involved and a fitting way for our county to mark this final year of commemoration.

“After 2018, the First World War is unlikely to be recalled again in quite the same powerful and profound way. This may well be the last chance for the county to pay its own special tribute. I do hope you will join us.”

The centenary service will officially start a period of commemoration which culminates on Sunday, November 11, the 100th anniversary of the ending of the war.

It runs from 2pm to 4.15pm and will be in the form of a drumhead service in which parading soldiers arrange drums as an altar, just as it happens on the battlefield.

Bookings for the service are strong. For anyone who would like to come and has not yet registered for free tickets, there is still availability thanks to the size of the Spitfire Ground.

Tickets can be obtained through a simple registration at www.kentcentenary.co.uk