Breaking of the Boom Remembered

The Siege Museum along with Heritage Lottery Fund NI support were delighted to facilitate a number of arts and crafts workshops for local primary school aged children within the city. 

The workshops were based on the theme of the 'Breaking of the Boom' and took place throughout June and July 2015.  Within the workshops the children involved designed and made their own miniature versions of boats. 

This then lead on to the Siege Museum holding a larger scale event involving all the children from the participating youth clubs on 28 July 2015.  This date marks exactly 326 years since the ship, ‘The Mountjoy’, broke the boom across the River Foyle in 1689 to relieve the City with supplies during the Great Siege of Londonderry, 1688-89. The ‘Relief of Derry’ is commemorated annually by the Apprentice Boys Association in the City of Londonderry on the 12 August.

The event which was held alongside the launch of the Maiden City Festival was held at Ebrington Square. 

The children assembled and were lead across the Peace Bridge by a piper – they then stopped for some photo opportunities – thank goodness the weather was kind!

The Siege Museum plan to hold an exhibition along with some interpretation of the arts and craft work made by the different youth clubs within the first year of operating.

With thanks to all who were involved - Heritage Lottery Fund NI, Kirstin @Kid Art, All Saints Centre, Tullyally 2012, Newbuildings Community Association, Cathedral Youth Club, Irish Street Youth and Community Association and Caw Youth Centre.