Thousands expected at free re-enactment of 1916 Rising in Guildhall Square

Thousands of people are expected to attend an open-air recreation of the 1916 Rising in Derry's Guildhall Square tomorrow night.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th May 2016, 12:08 BST
Updated 11th May 2016, 13:12 BST
Some of the actors pictured during the final costume rehearsals on Wednesday.Some of the actors pictured during the final costume rehearsals on Wednesday.
Some of the actors pictured during the final costume rehearsals on Wednesday.

The free event gets under way at 7.30pm on Thursday and will involve a major costumed drama as part of Derry’s 1916 Easter Rising centenary celebrations.

The event will be broadcast live across the world.

Over 100 performers take part in the live ‘Dawning of the Day’ re-enactment.

Taking aim: Some of the actors who will be involved in the open-air production tomorrow.Taking aim: Some of the actors who will be involved in the open-air production tomorrow.
Taking aim: Some of the actors who will be involved in the open-air production tomorrow.
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Event director and well-known local actor Gerry Doherty has scripted the theatrical drama, which will bring the events of 1916 to life.

Organisers billing it as one of the largest 1916 themed-events taking place in the North West, with the cast having been in rehearsals for the last two months.

A spokesman for the production said: “The live action will be in the Guildhall Square and also on the large screen in Waterloo Place as it happens.

“There will be a top quality sound system installed for the event, it is also going to be streamed live around the world so the Irish diaspora can view it live as it happens in the Guildhall Square.

Taking aim: Some of the actors who will be involved in the open-air production tomorrow.Taking aim: Some of the actors who will be involved in the open-air production tomorrow.
Taking aim: Some of the actors who will be involved in the open-air production tomorrow.
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“The acting will be enhanced with specially selected music and the cast will appear in period costume, the audience is also encouraged to attend the event in costume, which we feel will add to a very special atmosphere,” the spokesperson added.

The show will be family friendly and will suit young and old.

Related topics:DerryOrganisersNorth West