On Friday 18th November, an intimate screening of The Battle of the Somme will be shown at Accrington Town Hall commencing at 10am. 18th November marks the end of the Battle of the Somme, which lasted 141 days.
100 years ago dads, uncles and brothers were signing up to be a part of something big. Together they joined forces in their Pals battalions, including the Accrington Pals, to fight for their country. A century on, we remember them and what they did through this international project.
This year, Imperial War Museum (IWM) and members of the First World War Centenary Partnership are working together to show the UNESCO listed film The Battle of the Somme to audiences across the world. Shot and screened in 1916, it was the first feature length documentary about war and changed the way both cinema and film was perceived by the public.
In the year of its release around 20 million people, almost half of the population of Britain at the time, watched The Battle of the Somme, many hoping to see the image of a loved one or friend captured on film. 100 years later, this unique film from IWM’s collection is being shown to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
This local screening of the film has been arranged by The Accrington Pals Centenary Commemorative Fund. Their work aims to preserve the lasting memory of the bravery of the Accrington heroes of the 11th Service Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment and to remember the fateful day when 634 out of a battalion of 720 were killed or injured. They hope that the people of Hyndburn will turn out to watch the film and pay their respects.
Viewing of the film at Accrington Town Hall is strictly limited to 141 people and by ticket only. Tickets for the event at 10am on Friday 18th November are priced at £3, including tea, coffee and biscuits. They can be booked by calling in to purchase from Accrington Town Hall or by calling 01254 380293.
For further information about the film screening, call Accrington Town Hall on 01254 380293.