Shrewsbury light show to remember county's fallen

An immersive sound and light installation will be the focus of attention around the Quarry’s Grade II* Listed War Memorial as the town pays tribute to the 5,286 names of those who appear in the Shropshire Roll of Honour from WWI.

Andy McKeown, one of the driving forces behind the One Name One Voice project, said: “It has been a monumental task to record the names of those Shropshire men and women killed in the First World War, but I am pleased that it has come together in such a moving tribute. The sound of the voices is exactly as I imagined when I first started collecting the recordings three years ago.

“The fifty-two sound columns placed around the memorial create an immersive field of voices quietly speaking the names of those who died. I wanted to ensure that each name retained its individuality and became more than just a name on a list.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped with this massive project, including those who took part in the numerous recordings over the last few months. We couldn’t have done this work without the support of so many people and I am extremely proud of what we have achieved.”

The names of the 5,286 men and women who died in the First World War are commemorated on memorials throughout Shropshire.

Helen Ball, town clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, added: “We are delighted to be able to host this unique commemoration to the 5,286 service personnel from the Shropshire Roll of Honour in the Quarry.

“It promises to be an especially poignant tribute on a very significant occasion on Remembrance Sunday and the culmination of five years of commemorations in the town to honour those who fought in the First World War.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to the Quarry on Sunday afternoon as we pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The installation will be on display in Shrewsbury’s Quarry from 4.30pm until 7.30pm.