D-Day 80
D-Day 80 Commemorations, Castle Gardens
Programme of events
10.30am to 7pm
Pathé archive footage from WWII will be shown on big screens throughout the day.
Travelling museum
Step back in time to WWII through this mini exhibition curated from the Lisburn Museum’s archives.
Vicker’s machine gun and costume rail
Snap a selfie with an original Vicker’s machine gun alongside a background of the Hillsborough Road during WWII. Children can also dress up in replica army uniform.
Investigation workshops
Find out who evacuees were, how much tea you were allowed in a week and what air raid precautions were from the museum’s education team.
Craft workshops
Make your own cardboard gas masks and spitfire plans at one of a variety of craft workshops held throughout the day. Workshops will include cutting and sticking so guardians are encouraged to help little hands while they work and learn.
School days during WWII
Sit on original school benches and practise writing from the Vere Foster workbook under the watchful eye of the schoolteacher. And find out what you have to do when your lesson is interrupted by the gas rattle!
Victory point
Once the children have completed their WWII tasks, they can collect a goody bag containing 2ozs of rationed sweets, stickers and activity sheets.
Sensory tent
Our dark den space is a cosy corner for anyone feeling a little overwhelmed with books and fidget toys provided for your use.
11am to 6pm
WWII Taster Tour (10 minutes long, on the hour)
Join one of Lisburn Museum’s expert guides in a bite-size taster to learn about the significance of Lisburn’s war memorial and the repurposed blast shelter that remains in place in Castle Gardens.
6.30pm
Church bells ringing out for peace
As part of D-Day 80 commemorations churches from around the Lisburn and Castlereagh area will join together in ringing out for peace.
7pm
Beacon lighting ceremony
Castle Gardens bowling green will host a range of entertainment from The Band of the Royal Irish and a range of local schools and groups.
After a reading of The International Tribute, we’ll then join towns, villages, cities and organisations across the world to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day by lighting a beacon at 9.15pm.
Beacon lighting
Castle Gardens, Lisburn
This will follow a day of activities around the city centre and will be accompanied by a reading of The International Tribute.