A dance team will entertain the crowds of Richmond later this month to celebrate the history of the Belgian refugees during the First World War.

Choreographed by Jennifer Iron, who works internationally in the performing arts, the dancers will perform ‘Memories flow through me like a boat flows down the river’, on July 22, in Cambridge Gardens.

The routine has been inspired by the unique stories of the Belgian refugees who, having been displaced from their country by invading German forces at the beginning of the First World War, eventually settled across East Twickenham and St Margaret’s.

Cllr Meena Bond, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Arts, said: “Since 2014 we have had a number of events and activities to commemorate the tragic events of World War 1.

“This specially commissioned piece aims to present a creative, but emotional and poignant performance capturing the journey that these families went through and the challenges of settling in a new place.

The dancing team and choreographer created the new piece of art to reconnect audiences with this remarkable chapter of local history.

“It is important that we remember all aspects of WW1. And I hope that as many people as possible attend the event to understand the important role that the Belgian community played in our past,” added Cllr Bond.

Students from Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance and the University Of Roehampton will be joining on the day.