City festival held to remember war years
Lisburn Councillors gear up to remember the war years at this Saturday's festival and weeklong museum in the city centre- (left to right) (back) Cllr Jenny Palmer; Gavin Campbell, Lisburn City Centre Management. Front: Davy McCallion, War Years Remembered; ClIr David Archer, Cllr Allan Ewart; Paul Ash, War Years Remembered.
LISBURN is set to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with it's biggest Historic Quarter Festival to date.
This Saturday, Septemer 18, will see a range of activities taking place including a display by the Ulster Aviation Society and WWI1 Experience NI in Castle Gardens and a unique and interactive World War II display including vehicles, equipment, uniforms and weapons at Market Square.
This festival is aimed at all ages from those who want to share stories of their war year experiences to those who want to dress up and get a photo taken and those who want to get creative by making their own WWI1 model paper plane.
David McCallion from War Years Remembered who owns the collection commented: "I am looking forward to the festival which was a real hit last year. This year it is bigger and longer with more exciting displays such as our anti aircraft searchlight and Polesten 20mm anti-aircraft gun on display on Saturday. Both of these would have been used to defend our cities during the Blitz."
Councillor Allan Ewart, Chairman Lisburn City Centre Management commented: "We must never forget the bravery of the men and women from across the community who lived and fought in the World Wars. On the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain it is fitting that we have such an event in the City to mark the occasion, sharing this important history with all generations. This is a great local festival, and I would urge as many people as possible to come along and visit the exhibitions and displays, and also take the opportunity whilst in Lisburn City Centre to relax with some shopping and even lunch in one of our many lovely restaurants and cafes."
Councillor Jenny Palmer, Chairman of the Council's Economic Development Committee, who fund the Lisburn Historic Quarter Initiative, added: "It's great to see this unique festival taking place right in the historic heart of the city, providang an insight into life for Lisburn residents during the war years. The Council is delighted to be once again supporting this year's Historic Quarter festival, as it is widely recognised that events and festivals can bring key economic benefits, as well as increasing the vibrancy and vitality of the city centre for visitors and businesses alike."
The festival is also being supported by Lisburn City Council's Community Festival Fund.
Councillor David Archer, Chairman of the Council's Leisure Services Committee, speaking about the festival, said: "The Community Festival Fund supports those festivals which could contribute to communities and the local economy. This Fund has enabled the organisers of this festival to celebrate their cuiteural identity and strengthen community awareness in relation to World War history. Throughout the duration of the festival there will be a variety of activities that will appeal to individuals of all ages. "
Everyone from across the City and further afield is encouraged to come along and enjoy this festival and experience firsthand some of the equipment which was used in these historic wars by brave servicemen. The 'War Years Remembered' display and museum will provide a memorable insight to the history of World War I and World War II," he concluded.
The main festival will take place from 10am to 4pm in Lisburn City Centre and to complement this, 'War Years Remembered' will be staging a WWI & II museum from 20th - 25th September at Market Square, Lisburn. Funded by the Community Relations Council this museum will be open daily from 9am-5pm and until 9pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and aims to give people the opportunity to get up close to a fantastic range of artefacts and find out about life during the wars both at home and on the front lines.
Ulster Star
17/09/2010
