Bloody Sunday Commemoration 2003

national | miscellaneous | news report Wednesday January 22, 2003 16:27 by Pat Finucane Centre pfc at www dot serve dot com

Bloody Sunday 31st Anniversary Programme of events

Monday 27th January

"Settlement"

Opening Reception 7.30 p.m.

Eden Place Arts Centre, Pilotís Row, Rossville Street

This exhibition explores the impact and effects of military occupation, faltering attempts at peace and the importance of history, memory and memorialisation in Palestine and Ireland. Open daily until 1st February.

Wednesday 29th January

"Prelude to ë81"

8 p.m.

The Gasyard Centre, Lecky Road

Admission £3.00/£2.00 concession

A powerful drama dealing with the horrors of imprisonment in the H Blocks and Armagh during the blanket and no-wash protests

Thursday 30th January

Vigil against The International Arms Trade

12 p.m. ñ 12 a.m.

Guildhall Square

Organised by Foyle Ethical Investment Campaign (FEIC). Raytheon, the worldís biggest missile manufacturer equips states to perpetrate the "Bloody Sundays of the 21st Century." Join our call to set Derry and the North West free from complicity in military production. One World, One Struggle.

"Reflection"

4.15 p.m.

Bloody Sunday Monument, Rossville Street

A minutes silence to mark the time 31 years ago when British Paratroopers started firing. Please join the families of the deceased and those who were wounded on Bloody Sunday for this moment of silent reflection. "Let their epitaph be the ongoing struggle for democracy"

Memorial Mass

7.30 p.m.

St. Maryís Church, Creggan

The anniversary mass in memory of those killed on Bloody Sunday

Friday 31st January

The Bloody Sunday Inquiry ñ The Families Perspective

7.30 p.m.

Gasyard Centre, Lecky Road

This forum discussion, chaired by journalist Eamonn McCann (who has closely followed the inquiry) will include a video diary presentation of the experiences of the families and wounded made as the Inquiry began hearing evidence in London.

The Policemanís Ball ñ An Alternative Cabaret

9.30 ñ Late

The Bogside Inn, Westland Street

Admission £3.00

Ease your social conscience with an irreverent night of music, comedy, drama and craic, all in a good cause. With special guests. Organised by the Pat Finucane Centre.

Saturday 1st February

"Turning Points"

10 a.m. ñ 4 p.m.

The Gasyard Centre, Lecky Road

Organised by Tar Abhaile/Coiste na nIarchimi in conjunction with the Bloody Sunday Weekend Committee, this event is organised specifically for young people. The films "SUNDAY" and "H3" will be screened. Both films depict key ëturning pointsí in contemporary Irish/British history. The screenings will be followed by discussions on Bloody Sunday and the H-Block/Armagh Campaign. Lunch provided. Alternative screenings for those not attending the youth event are listed below.

"SUNDAY"

1 p.m.

The Nerve Centre

Admission £2.00 (£3.00 for both films)

Screening of the EMMY nominated film tracing the events of Bloody Sunday from the perspective of one of the victimís families. Written by Jimmy McGovern and co-produced by Derry company Gaslight Productions.

"H3"

3 p.m.

The Nerve Centre

Admission £2.00 (£3.00 for both films)

H3 is Laurence McKeownís powerful and moving reconstruction of events surrounding the Hunger Strikes of 1981 in which ten men died.

The State on Trial

7.30 p.m.

The Gasyard Centre

A panel discussion and short film looking at human rights issues in Ireland, Colombia and Palestine with Jeremy Hardy (comedian and political activist); Brid Smith (Irish delegate, European Social Forum); Nick Deardon (Campaigns officer, War on Want). Chaired by Goretti Horgan.

Annual Bloody Sunday Weekend Fundraiser

9.30 p.m. ñ late

The Nerve Centre, Magazine Street

Admission £5.00

The usual mix of ceol agus craic with featured artists, guest appearances and a little bit of everything thrown in!

Sunday 2nd February

Memorial Service

11.00 a.m.

Bloody Sunday Monument, Rossville Street.

Please join the families and friends as they lay wreaths and offer prayers for those who were killed and injured.

31st Commemorative March and Rally

2.30 p.m.

Assemble Creggan Shops, Derry

The march retraces the steps of the original Anti-internment March in 1972, finishing at Free Derry Corner where a short rally will be held. Speakers will include SDLP leader Mark Durkan, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and a representative of the families of the deceased and wounded.