Rare Film Footage Shows Life on the Home Front

The North West Film Archive opens its vaults to share compelling footage of life on the home front in North West England. Drawing on rare archive footage we feature amongst others, the Accrington Pals, the Lancashire Fusiliers and the Cheshire Regiment as they prepare for active service on the Western Front.

We discover the early days of aviation, and German Prisoners of War being marched through the streets of Lancashire. From troop inspections in Preston and Blackpool, to the subsequent victory parades in Whalley and Haslingden and the unveiling of war memorials from Egremont to Altrincham. Presenting evocative footage filmed across the North West a century ago – don’t miss this special opportunity to experience how we lived our lives during one of the darkest periods of our history. From industrial toil in the years leading up to the outbreak of war, to key events during the hostilities – join BAFTA nominated actor Maxine Peake on this fascinating journey into the past.

The First World War: Life on the Home Front in North West England (Trailer) from NWfilmarchive on Vimeo.

This unique DVD to mark the centenary of the First World War is available at Manchester Central Library, IWM North and other outlets.
Run time: 65 minutes. Price: £12 www.nwfa.mmu.ac.uk/merchandise.htm

Public screenings are also available – see www.nwfa.mmu.ac.uk/public_screenings.html – with the next being on Tuesday 25th November 2014,  7.30pm, at Halton on Film, Brindley Arts Centre, Runcorn.