Imperial War Museum North will host a series of educational events and tours to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
The Air Shard of the award-winning building will also light up with a series of commemorative projections on the night of June 30, when thousands of soldiers would have been preparing to go to battle 100 years ago.
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.
“Over the coming months, we will continue to share our knowledge on the battle in a series of tours, talks and film screenings at the museum.
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”
To commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, the First World War Centenary Partnership, led by Imperial War Museums (IWM) has release the 1916 documentary − The Battle of the Somme for screenings around the country.
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.
Screenings across the North West include:
• The Lake District Summer Music Festival has commissioned local composer Jan Bradley to improvise a soundtrack live for the screening of The Battle of the Somme (9 August, Kendal Town Hall, £20, £16 concessions).
• Hayfield Royal British Legion will be showing The Battle of the Somme film along with a live orchestra as part of Somme100 FILM. Laura Rossi’s score, commissioned by Imperial War Museums will be performed by the King Edward Music Society Macclesfield (22 October 2016, free).
• The Treasure House are screening The Battle of the Somme along with a talk by historian Andy Robertshaw who will give details on how the film was made and the events it documents. (23 July 2016, £5).
• The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is showing The Battle of the Somme to commemorate the centenary of the Battle. Alongside screenings the museum will host object handling sessions and talks. (1-3 July 2016, free).
