The Imperial War Museum North will be lit up tonight with a huge projection of commemorative images for the Battle of the Somme.
From 10pm on Thursday 30 June until dawn on Friday 1 July, images of soldiers preparing for battle 100 years ago will be shown across the building’s ‘Air Shard’ roof space at Salford Quays.
The museum is also hosting a series of educational events and tours to mark the event.
Diane Lees, Director General of Imperial War Museums, said: “The Battle of the Somme is a key date in the First World War centenary commemorations.
“Alongside the national commemorations at Manchester Cathedral and Heaton Park on 1 July, IWM North has chosen to mark the night before the Somme by projecting a series of thought provoking images onto the Libeskind-designed building.
“People can also research those who lived, died, fought and survived in the extensive records of the Lives of the First World War project at www.livesofthefirstworldwar.org.”
IWM North’s educational events on the Somme will include a series of free talks from Lives of the First World Project Leader Charlotte Czyzyk.
Alonside tours there’s film screenings of a documentary showcasing the first day of Battle.
Shot not only in the build-up of the battle a hundred years ago, the documentary captures the infamous first day and its aftermath.
It was seen by millions at the time, and to this day is one of the most successful box-office hits of all time.
Here’s a brief guide to the talks: 25th July will be about Communications from the Front, 15th August is on Sporting Personalities, 19 September is Behind the Lines, 24 October will be about New Technologies and 28th November will talk about Famous Names during the time, including Winnie the Pooh author A.A Milne.
The IMW are asking people to look out for the light up and share their pictures on Twitter @IWMNorth or facebook.com/iwm.north.
