Schools 'flock to Belfast war memorial'

13 July 2009 -

The Northern Ireland War Memorial Exhibition in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter is proving to be hit with school excursions from all over the world.

Visitors looking for historic attractions in Northern Ireland will have the opportunity to learn about the country's contributions to World War I and II at the show, which is running throughout the summer.

In addition to the exhibition's weekday opening hours, the memorial will be open to the public every Sunday from 11:00 to 13:00 BST until September 27th.

The exhibition contains a vast array of photographs, documents, uniforms and artefacts that pay tribute to those from Northern Ireland who fell during both wars.

Bob Wright, who fought in Burma and China during World War II and works as a guide at the memorial, told Culture in Northern Ireland: "We are always delighted to see kids coming along and trying on the old war clothes. We get schools from both communities here, France, Germany, the south of Ireland. They come from all around."

Last month, deputy lord mayor of Belfast Danny Lavery commented that there is currently a spirit of rejuvenation in the city following the re-opening of landmark buildings like the City Hall, Ulster Hall and Ulster Museum.