Water lanterns will be released on the Thames to mark the 66th anniversary of the first atomic bombing.

The Kingston Peace Council will hold the event in memory of the victims of the attack on Hiroshima at the end of World War II.

The event, based on the Japanese tradition of toro nagashi where paper lanterns float down a river in memory of the deceased, will take place near the bandstand in Canbury Gardens.

Noel Hamel, of the Kingston Peace Council, said: “The lights and the sunset reflections on the water dance and glimmer in the ripples, lightly shimmering in the gentle breeze.

“The tradition of floating lighted boats comes from Japan where once it had a mystical and religious significance.

“Now it is just a very picturesque way to spend an hour together at dusk and it gives us time to reflect on the awesome power of the atom bomb.”

The deputy mayor of Kingston will be among those taking part in the vigil between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday, August 6.