Eldon Square Holds 40s Art Project Created by Shoppers Young and Old
Last year, a group of young shoppers got together with their elders to throw an unforgettable 50s bash at Eldon Square. At the time, we found it positively heartwarming, but assumed that we’d heard the end of it. Attention spans aren’t what they once were, after all.
Turns out the Utter Legends youth group were just getting started, and once again Eldon Square was blessed with an event they spearheaded late last month. This time they went even further back, celebrating the 40s, not with a dance party but with a full day of events. They had a performance of The Bunker Blues and live music by the Sea Cadets band. They also gave shoppers the chance to see military vehicles and Second World War memorabilia.
The group of youngsters worked with the War Veterans Association. Tom Robertson, a member of the association, said, “the project has allowed us to start breaking down the barriers between the generations. It says a lot for the youngsters that they are keen to meet up every week and learn about the history behind the War Memorial. Newcastle, and Old Eldon Square, has certainly changed over the years, but this is a positive step towards the War Memorial being remembered and respected by the younger generation.”
The group also spent time recreating classic propaganda posters, including the “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster pictured above.
