Programme of events continues to commemorate the Battle of the Somme

Throughout 2016 Ards and North Down Borough Council and its partners are commemorating the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme through a series of special events and tributes. A selection of highlights from the extensive programme of events can be found below.

On Thursday 9 June an exhibition relating to the Blackwood family of Clandeboye launched at Ards Arts Centre, highlighting the strong connections that Clandeboye Estate and the beautiful Helen’s Tower had to the First World War as well as the family connection of brothers Freddy and Basil Blackwood.

On the walls and in the cases at the exhibition are examples of letters that Basil wrote home to his family and the sketches that often accompanied his letters and diary entries. You will also see his company drill book and the newspaper notice to say that he was missing in action.  This exhibition focuses not just on the Blackwood’s connections to the War, but on the family’s travels to South Africa and also on Basil’s earlier recognition as an illustrator of children’s books.

‘Blackwood, an illustrated history’ will be on display until Saturday 2 July in the Georgian Gallery at Ards Arts Centre.

World War One themed film screenings will also take place throughout the borough including Steven Spielberg’s epic War Horse on Wednesday 22 June, 8pm in The Web Theatre in Newtownards and on Friday 1 July at 8pm at Portico in Portaferry.

On Friday 24 June at 8pm, The Tudor Cinema in Comber will show the screen adaptation of David Haig’s play My Boy Jack based on the story of Rudyard Kipling with Daniel Radcliffe staring as his son Jack. Tickets for all screenings will be available on the door or to book in advance visit ardsarts.com or contact Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803.

On Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 July guided walking tours will take place at 10am and 2pm each day.  Leaving from the Somme Museum to Helen’s Tower, visitors will step back 100 years to 1916 and the Battle of the Somme. They will learn of the gallant contribution of the soldiers from the 36th Ulster Division and follow in their footsteps as they walk through their training camp to Helen’s Tower. Tickets are £3 each and are available from visitardsandnorthdown.com.

For a full list of REMEMBER AND REFLECT events see visitardsandnorthdown.com.