Step back to wartime Ballymena

David McCallion’s unique collection of memorabilia from WW1 and WW2 has transformed the museum’s exhibition gallery into a world war time capsule, with over 40 mannequins displaying various uniforms from the two wars, complete with weapons and all the kit that a fighting soldier required.

The centre piece is a specially constructed wartime house complete with its own air raid shelter in the garden.

Also on show is a Belfast blitz street scene, ARP post and trench scene.

David will be on hand throughout its six week stay to share his knowledge and stories with visitors and school groups. The exhibition runs until Friday, April 13.

One of the museums most popular events will take place on Easter Saturday, April 7. The Easter Wartime Event invites visitors to take a nostalgic trip to wartime Ballymena.

Adults can listen to wartime music, maybe even have a go at a 1940s dance with the members of Dance Unlimited, admire the clothing styles of the 1940s & 1950s, modelled by the ladies of the Living Vintage Company, and chat to War Years Remembered staff about their vast collection. Children can keep themselves busy by playing 1940s games, completing fun activity sheets and, of course, searching for the Easter bunny. The fun starts at 11am and finishes at 3pm.

Admission is free to both the exhibition and Easter event. The museum, which is located at 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, is open from Monday to Friday from 10am until 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am until 4pm. Group and school bookings are available.

Please ring Noreen on 028 2563 5925 / email [email protected] or check our website www.thebraid.com for further information.