Home / Arts and Entertainment / Northern Ireland: 80s Life Beyond the Troubles
Northern Ireland: 80s Life Beyond the Troubles
25 May
Summary
- Exhibition explores daily life in 1980s Northern Ireland.
- Focuses on music, cinema, games, and social activities.
- Features local bands like Rosetta Stone and iconic cars.
An exhibition at Down Museum in Downpatrick is redefining the narrative of 1980s Northern Ireland, shifting focus from the Troubles to the vibrant daily lives of its people. Dr. Kris Reid, the curator, emphasized that the display centers on music, cinema, games, and toys, acknowledging the conflict's impact but also celebrating the persistent joy and social activities of the era.
The exhibition features a diverse range of artifacts, including exhibits from Flickers video club, the Grand Cinema, and the Tropicana amusement center. Visitors can interact with playable computer consoles, VCRs, and a Walkman, surrounded by records and tapes from both global superstars and local heroes like the Downpatrick band Rosetta Stone. Bass player Colin McKee expressed his surprise and delight at seeing the band's memorabilia, recounting their international success.
School children on end-of-year trips have been frequent visitors, appreciating the music and toys on display. The exhibition includes a 1984 Skyway BMX, complementing Downpatrick's new BMX pump track, and a 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth, a dream car for local motorsport enthusiasts. The exhibition is set to run until the end of the year, offering a unique glimpse into a multifaceted decade.
