Battle of Gallipoli commemoration in Birmingham
The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli will be marked at an event in Birmingham city centre on Saturday, April 25.
Taking place in Centenary Square, proceedings begin at 11am with a wreath-laying service at the Hall of Memory, attended by Lord Mayor Cllr Shafique Shah, the Lord Lieutenant, the Dean of Birmingham and members of the Gallipoli Association and the Royal British Legion.
There will also be a food and drink area offering traditional English fare, ales and cider, while events and attractions will include traditional games such as hook-a-duck, hoopla, roll-a-penny, coconut shy and test of strength.
The Battle of Gallipoli is being marked as part of an ongoing, five-year programme of events in Birmingham commemorating World War One. A stage programme will take place in Centenary Square from noon until 5pm, including illusionist Andrew Van Buren, singer Lucille Barclay and singer and banjo player Martin Barrie.
Historic Promotions will be putting on displays such as a children’s drill and marching; British soldiers and life in the trenches; Gallipoli uniforms, weapons and life of a soldier on the campaign, plus toy soldier pewter casting and painting.
The Western Front Association will be hosting talks in the Library of Birmingham from 2pm to 4.45pm, while Workshop for Schools will be hosting three workshop sessions throughout the afternoon entitled ‘Changes in Women’s role during World War One’.
The 1914 Sikh Heritage Platoon will also be giving talks on the history of the platoon and their involvement in World War One.
Further information on how Birmingham will be marking the First World War between now and 2019 can be found at www.voicesofwarandpeace.org.
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