Somme light and sound show

The spectacle is being done in conjunction with the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Hilary McClintock, who said the initiative was an important part of the Centenary Commemorations and an acknowledgement of the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the battle, as well as an opportunity to mark this significantly important part of our history.

The display of light and sound will take place at 11pm and the beams of light will be will be projected until 12.30am on Friday morning.

“This joint initiative is an opportunity for the city and district to come together to commemorate the Battle of the Somme and to recognise its significance in our history,” the Mayor said.

“The Somme was one of the most brutal campaigns of the First World War where thousands fought and died. The event holds a lot of powerful memories and it’s important that we remember them and the role they played in our unique history.”

She said the light display at St Columb’s Cathedral was part of a wider Centenaries programme of events that are being held across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area to mark the centenary of both the 1916 Rising and the Battle of the Somme.

“These events are important not only to create greater awareness of their historical significance but also in encouraging us to work together and broaden our understanding of our history through shared experiences and celebration,” she said.