Heads of state and other dignitaries gathered in the towns of Nieuport and Ypres to commemorate those that died in some of the most tragic scenes in the conflict, which this year sees the centenary of its outbreak.

Those attending the ceremonies include the German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Belgium stages ceremonies to mark WWI in Nieuport, YpresThe ceremony began on Tuesday afternoon in the town of Nieuport, with the arrival of Belgian King Philippe and his wife Queen Mathilde, who laid a wreath at the statue of his ancestor, King Albert I.

The King also addressed the heads of state, including Chancellor Merkel as well as representatives from the United Kingdom and the King and Queen of the Netherlands.

A second commemoration will take place later on Tuesday at Ypres, scene of massive loss of lives during the war, and a place that has come to be seen as a symbol of the tragedy of WWI. Ypres was the scene of five separate battles during the course of the war.

A special playing of the Last Post, a musical elegy for the dead that is performed each day in the town by the Menin Gate memorial, will be performed in the presence of the King.

The ceremonies are part of a year-long series on commemorations in Belgium marking the centenary of the outbreak of WWI. Throughout the year, the heads of state from countries including the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Germany have paid tribute to the millions that died during the four-year conflict.