Look Back to Look Forward: 50 years of the Irish in Britain

The "Look Back to Look Forward: 50 years of the Irish in Britain" exhibition provides a compelling exploration of the enduring contributions and experiences of the Irish community in Britain. This free heritage exhibition delves into the lives, resilience, and legacies of individuals who emigrated to Britain, as well as the journeys of second-generation Irish families.

Drawing on a rich collection of emotive oral histories, archival material, photography, film, and audio recordings, the exhibition documents diverse personal narratives. It covers themes such as leaving home, settling in a new place, community activism, work, and cultural identity. Over 50 personal testimonies are featured, including several with strong connections to Northern Ireland, such as individuals from Bangor, Portstewart, Castlewellan, and Derry City.

Notable figures have contributed to the exhibition, with actors Adrian Dunbar, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Jamie Beamish reading excerpts from interviews. Other well-known names associated with the project include Siobhán McSweeney, Aisling Bea, Terry Christian, Siobhan Fahy, Jah Wobble, and poet Laurie Bolger. The exhibition has previously garnered significant attention, attracting over 120,000 visitors at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, and touring major cities across Britain.

The exhibition is open daily from 11am to 4pm in the Elmwood Hall, Belfast. A special late-night opening is scheduled for Late Night Art on August 6, from 5:30pm to 8pm.