The Somme Remembered, 100 Years On Official Launch

Mon, May 16, 2016

The Somme Remembered, 100 Years On Official Launch

Pictured with Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan are Davy McCallion of War Years Remembered, Councillor Trevor Clarke Chair of Somme Working Group, Lyn Moffett of Ballymoney Community Resource Centre, Hugh Elliott and Samuel McClements of Ballymoney District Cultural Heritage Society.

Ballymoney and District Cultural and Heritage Society in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, The Royal British Legion Ballymoney Branch and Ballymoney Community Resource Centre have developed a three day event that will commemorate the Battle of The Somme. Activities will commence on Thursday 30th June and will culminate on Saturday 2nd July 2016.

The three day programme will take place within the Ballymoney Showgrounds, located on the North Road, Ballymoney. It is estimated that this event will attract up to 20,000 visitors which it is hoped will have an economic benefit to the local area.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan said, “It is extremely fitting that Ballymoney & District Cultural & Heritage Society & War Years Remembered have organised this event, which will explore the outbreak of the First World War, the events of 1914 and 1915 and their impact on our communities.

“During this living history event, marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, the public will get a sense of the life and times of war in this period. Thank you to everyone who is involved in organising the various activities over the 3 days which are set up to be an enjoyable experience for all.” 

This event will be the largest commemoration taking place within Northern Ireland and will include war time exhibits, including War Years Remembered, Living History Ireland, Bushvalley Radio Club, Army Reserves (TA), Navy, Army & The Airforce Institutions, Ulster Military Vehicle Club and Reading Rooms. Details of full programme will be available in the near future.

A spokesman from the Ballymoney and District Cultural and Heritage Society said, “ The Society welcome all members of the community to this event and would like to take this opportunity to thank the Council and all those organisations who have worked in partnership to bring this outstanding event about.

For further information please visit www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or contact Sammy McClements on 07912435131 / Hugh Elliot on 07936266353.

ENDS