Ireland 1916 : Luton 2016

Ireland 1916 : Luton 2016

What we’ve accomplished:

Ireland 1916 : Luton 2016 Project commemorated The Easter Rising of 1916, which led to Irish independence through a year of local engagement and reflection with a varied programme of activities and initiatives working across local communities. The project supported the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme’s five overlapping themes: REMEMBERING, RECONCILING, PRESENTING, IMAGINING & CELEBRATING.

The Poet’s Rebellion

Welsh singer/songwriter Cerys Matthews hosted the launch event featuring guest speakers including the Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall. The event also included musical performances and a drama piece, an exhibition of artwork and memorabilia.

“Brilliant event! Very successful interpretation of a sensitive subject. Has greatly informed a generation of an important part of history.”

“Very informative and kept history applicable to local people and events. Very creative.”

The Irish Rebellion Screening

A screening of The Irish Rebellion documentary with guest speakers. Narrated by Liam Neeson, the award-winning, landmark documentary told the dramatic story of the events that took place in Dublin during Easter Week 1916.

“Humbled, Awed, Respectful” “Interesting, Enlightening, Provoking” “Inspired, Emotional & Proud”

Summer Club

The Summer Half Term Club was attended by children aged 7 to 11 years. The programme was held over 5 days and focused on the 1916 Proclamation. The children learned about elements of 1916 and created their own country or world through various creative activities.

“I liked the flag-making because we got to make our own worlds with our own rules like they did in the Irish Proclamation; they got to make a new world together.”

Street Art

Workshops were held at Cardinal Newman R C School for Years 8 & 9, plus a two-week project and public exhibition for young people aged from 12 to 19 years at Tokko Youth Space.

These workshops explored how mural art is now being used to bring the communities together and has become internationally recognised alongside the relatively new Street Art culture in Belfast.

One of the teachers stated: “It was great to hear the students’ thoughts and opinions. Every student got involved. I also learned a lot from the session.”

Belfast Trip

A two-day trip to Belfast gave the young people an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and to experience at first-hand the art, culture and heritage they have been learning and exploring as part of the street art project.

“This trip was a real learning curve for someone from a different background. Coming to Ireland with LIF to learn about the history was a great experience.”

Women’s Rights

This was a six-week programme open to all women of 13 years plus. It comprised of a series of workshops which explored Irish women’s rights issues. Throughout the programme the women, who were of mixed ages and from mixed backgrounds, were encouraged to share their views and stories, which resulted in a significant intergenerational and cross-cultural learning experience.

“My knowledge on Irish history was limited considering my heritage is Irish. I now have greater respect and curiosity to learn more about women’s rights.”

[Has learnt] “About the richness of culture that was built through bold women.”

“I didn’t know that Irish women were such a big part of feminism. So everything I’ve heard was something new for me.”

Mná na hÉireann (Women of Ireland) Afternoon Tea Event

Attendees spanning 3 generations including many mothers and daughters gathered at Putteridge Bury country house Luton for the final event of the Ireland 1916 : Luton 2016 project. Dr Helen Pankhurst was only one attraction of an all female line up with poignant presentations by women who benefited from attending the workshops, artists and traditional Irish musicians.

“Great event. Met people from school days and learnt so much. Enjoy hearing and meeting Dr Helen Pankhurst. Thank you for a great afternoon.”

“A great event, brilliant presentations to learn more about Women in Irish history.”

“Brilliant day delicious food plenty tea/ coffee - learned plenty about women in Irish history.”

“Amazing afternoon! Loved every part of it.”

‘Women of Ireland’ Float

Luton St Patrick’s Festival 2017 parade had a special entry ‘Women of Ireland’ float which celebrated the significant Irish women in history that we had studied in previous workshops and events. Young people spent many weeks revisiting the history, designing and making the float to mark the end of the Ireland 1916 : Luton 2016 project.

“My daughter Leanne was involved in the Women of Ireland float for theSt. Patricks Day parade run by “Boss Fiona” as Leanne refers to her.

Leanne has had the most wonderful time with the Forum, designing, researching, learning the history, building and being on the float. She loved being a suffragette. The whole process, working with and at TOKKO, the others in the group and the Irish Forum has been a great experience for her. She enjoyed every minute of it. I would like to thank you all for your interest in our young people.

Congratulations on the wonderful St. Patricks day parade and celebrations over the weekend. Everyone I have spoken to said what a wonderful event it was. Keep up the good work and a big THANK YOU.”