By showing how the archaeological heritage relates to other aspects of people’s daily lives such as culture, the arts, tourism, leisure and community relations the Road Show will encourage people to see the value and appreciate the need for protecting the resource. The Road Show will provide a highly attractive image of the local heritage and demonstrate the links to other aspects of our daily lives. NIAF will promote the historic environment as an exciting and relevant concept through photographs, exhibits and living history.

Their first event is being held at the Outlet, Bridgewater Retail Park, Banbridge. Here there will be a special emphasis on the local heritage, including the excavations at Loughbrickland and the Bridgewater Park development itself. The exhibition will highlight archaeologists at work, public involvement with sites, threats to our heritage and the variety and abundance of the archaeological heritage in Northern Ireland.

A window display has been in place since late September, putting artefacts from the Loughbrickland by-pass project on show locally for the first time since their excavation. The event will open to the public on Friday 4th December and run until Sunday 20th.

Many NIAF members have contributed to the exhibition but particular thanks to Banbridge Council, the Irish Linen Centre, QUB, Northern Archaeological Consultancy, Archaeological Development Services, NIEA, Enniskillen Museum, DRD Road Service and the Navan Centre, as well as, of course, The Outlet, who have provided us with both the venue and a great deal of valued support.

Fri 4th - Sun 20th December
An exhibition promoting Northern Ireland’s heritage and the work of archaeologists

Weekdays - Open to public for general viewing, 14:00 - 17:00
Sat 5th - Living History demonstrations, 13:00 - 17:00
Sun 6th - Archaeology Roadshow, 13:00 - 17:00
Sat 12th - Medieval Christmas, 13:00 - 17:00
Sun 13th - Archaeology Roadshow, 13:00 - 17:00
Sat 19th + Sun 20th - Open to public for general viewing, 14:00 - 17:00
21st Dec to end Jan - Window display of artefacts provided by Northern Archaeological Consultancy and Archaeological Development Services

For further information email ivan.niaf@nienvironmentlink.org or ring 028 9045 5770.