Volunteers led by Lyric Theatre Belfast and The Playhouse Derry–Londonderry, were part of a UK–wide event that took place today, 1 July 2016, as a modern memorial to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. Commissioned by 14–18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, the work was conceived and created by Turner Prize–winning artist Jeremy Deller in collaboration with Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre. The specially commissioned event saw around 1400 voluntary participants, in First World War uniform appear unexpectedly in locations across the UK. The Lyric and The Playhouse were among 25 organisations which collaborated through a cross–community approach on the work, called ‘we’re here because we’re here’. In Belfast participants were spotted at Central Station; Victoria Square and Titanic, whilst in Derry~Londonderry they were seen on the Peace Bridge, at the Guild Hall and in the Richmond Centre. Then event was produced by Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the National Theatre, working in close collaboration with partners including:  Manchester Royal Exchange, National Theatre of Scotland, National Theatre Wales, Northern Stage, Salisbury Playhouse, Sheffield Theatres and Theatre Royal PlymouthThe project breaks new ground in terms of its scale, breadth, reach and the number of partners and participants involved. This is the first time three national theatres have worked together on a joint project, and the first time so many theatres have worked together on a UK–wide participation project.The participants who walked the streets today were a reminder of the 19,240 men who were killed on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Each participant represented an individual soldier who was killed that day. The work is partly inspired by tales of sightings during and after the First World War by people who believed they had seen a dead loved one. The participants wore historically accurate uniforms, representing 15 of the regiments that suffered losses in the first day of the Battle. The soldiers did not speak, but at points throughout the day would sing the song ‘we’re here because we’re here’, which was sung in the trenches during the First World War. They handed out cards to members of the public with the name and regiment of the soldier they represented, and, where known, the age of the soldier when he died on 1 July 1916. The daylong work ran from 7am to 7pm and covered the width and breadth of the UK, from Shetland to Penzance. Sites they visited included shopping centres, train stations, car parks and high streets – taking the memorial to contemporary Britain and bringing an intervention into people’s daily lives where it was least expected.The volunteers were men aged between 16–52, reflecting the men who would have fought in the Somme. They were not trained actors but come from a range of professions, including a sheep farmer, flight attendant, doctor, lawyer, social worker, shop assistant, portrait artist and GCSE student. They came together to rehearse in theatres across the UK over a month–long period in the run–up to the performance. ‘we’re here because we’re here’ is one of the largest arts participation projects ever staged in the UK, with hundreds of additional volunteers working behind the scenes.Jeremy Deller said:“I wanted to make a contemporary memorial to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, one that moved around the UK with an unpredictability in which the participants took the work directly to the public.” Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, said: “This work by Jeremy Deller is a truly national piece of theatre and is a powerful way to remember the men who went off to fight 100 years ago. I also hope it will serve as a catalyst to strengthen ties with theatres and communities across the UK.”Jenny Waldman, Director of 14–18 NOW, said:“1 July 1916 saw 57,470 casualties on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, of whom nearly 20,000 died: it was the bloodiest day in British military history. Taking part in ‘we’re here because we’re here’ has given hundreds of young people across the UK the chance to find out more about the Somme, and in some cases discover the stories of family members who fought in the war.  Working alongside brilliant artists, directors and theatres on this astonishing project will be an experience they will never forget.”Elaine Forde at The Playhouse said, “This artwork has global significant and it offers an opportunity to reflect and to remember.  ‘We’re here because we’re here’, has encouraged, empowered and challenged our communities, inviting them to explore and interpret WW1 and the devastating impact of war on the lives of the solders, families, victims and communities. “It goes much deeper than commemorating the lives of soldiers lost in the Battle of the Somme, it has evoked a gentle and powerful space for everyone to remember of all those who have been affected by war. We are delighted to participate in a project that asks such important questions about the relationship between contemporary art and theatre.”Jimmy Fay – Executive Producer, Lyric Theatre Belfast said, “We are delighted to be involved in this incredible piece of work by Jeremy Dellerand to be working alongside the National Theatre and the Birmingham Rep on a project that is so important to many people in Northern Ireland. Our wonderful Creative Learning department has worked with Jeremy and his team to bring a vivid and vibrant happening to the streets of Belfast.”The project was supported by: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, The Belgrade Theatre, Bolton Octagon, Bristol Old Vic, Storyhouse, Left Coast, Leicester Curve, Nuffield Theatre, Oldham Coliseum, Pontio, Shetland Arts, Sutton Coldfield College BMet, The Artrix Bromsgrove, The Garrick Lichfield and Volcano. The total number of organisations involved in the project is 27.Media partner: BBC‘we’re here because we’re here’ was made possible by an Ambition for Excellence Award from Arts Council England, with additional support from Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Creative Scotland and Art Fund. 14–18 NOW is principally funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England, and by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.For further press information please contact:Louise Carson at AIKEN on 90663000 or 07918 691491Email louise@aikenpr.com NOTES TO EDITORS‘we’re here because we’re here’ was commissioned by 14–18 NOW, and conceived and created by Turner Prize–winning artist Jeremy Deller in collaboration with Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre. It was produced by Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the National Theatre with the following partners:Lyric Theatre BelfastManchester Royal ExchangeNational Theatre of ScotlandNational Theatre WalesNorthern StageThe Playhouse Derry–LondonderrySalisbury PlayhouseSheffield TheatresTheatre Royal Plymouth14–18 NOW14–18 NOW is a programme of extraordinary arts experiences connecting people with the First World War, as part of the UK’s official centenary commemorations. It aims to engage as many people as possible with the First World War, exploring how the war has impacted on the society we live in now. 14–18 NOW commissions new work by leading contemporary artists from all art forms, inspired by the period 1914–1918.  The commemorative period is marked by three key seasons – the first season centred around 4 August 2014 (Anniversary of the Declaration of War), the second is March to November 2016 (anniversary of the Battle of Jutland and the Battle of the Somme) and the last in 2018 (centenary of Armistice Day). 14–18 NOW is responsible for the UK tour of the iconic poppy sculptures by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper. 14 –18 NOW is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England, by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and by additional fundraising.  14–18 NOW has commissioned over 80 artworks to date that have been seen by over 20 million people.Birmingham Repertory TheatreBirmingham Repertory Theatre is one of Britain’s leading producing theatres. Founded in 1913 by Sir Barry Jackson, Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company rapidly became one of the most famous and exciting theatre companies in the country launching the careers of an array of many great British actors including Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson, Edith Evans, Paul Scofield, Derek Jacobi, Elizabeth Spriggs, Albert Finney and many more.  In 2013 the company celebrated its centenary. The REP’s aim is to inspire a lifelong love of theatre in the diverse communities of Birmingham and beyond.  As well as presenting over 60 productions on its three stages every year, the theatre tours its productions nationally and internationally, showcasing theatre made in Birmingham. The commissioning and production of new work lies at the core of The REP’s programme and over the last 15 years the company has produced more than 130 new plays. The theatre’s learning and participation programme is the best of any cultural organisation in the city and in the past year The REP has engaged with 4500 young people and 2600 adults through its learning and participation programme equating to 30,000 individual educational sessions. The REP is also committed to nurturing new talent through its youth theatre groups, The Young REP, its professional artist development scheme, REP Foundry, plus a new initiative, FURNACE which offers local people opportunities to develop new talents.DCMS4 August 2014 marked 100 years since the start of the First World War. In recognition of this significant milestone the Government is leading a five–year commemorative programme of national ceremonial events, cultural and educational activity and community engagement. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, DCMS, manages this cross government programme working with key delivery partners including Imperial War Museums, 14–18 NOW, Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England.Heritage Lottery FundThanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about – from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk @heritagelottery #UnderstandingWW1 Other HLF–funded First World War projects include:First World War Galleries, Imperial War Museum London – £6.5mThe Yorkshire Film Archive – £52,400HMS Caroline, the last surviving First World War battleship – £12mHerts at War –  £98,4001914 London B–type ‘Battle’ Bus, which drove out to the Western Front – £750,000 Arts Council EnglandArts Council England champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2015 and 2018, we are investing £1.1 billion of public money from government and an estimated £700 million from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country. www.artscouncil.org.uk First World War Centenary Partnership2014 – 2018 marks the centenary of the First World War, a landmark anniversary for Britain and the world. IWM is marking the centenary by leading a vibrant, five–year programme of cultural activities across the world. This year is the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. For more information visit www.1914.org.