In a single day: We’re here because we’re here

On 1 July 2016, from 7am to 7pm, over 1400 volunteers in historically accurate First World War uniform appeared unexpectedly in public locations across the UK, such as railway stations, shopping centres, markets and beaches, including many in Wales. Created by Turner Prize‑winning artist Jeremy Deller in collaboration with Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre in London, We’re here because we’re herereached over 30 million people across the UK, in a single day.

The participants were a reminder of the 19,240 men who were killed on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, with each contemporary participant representing a specific soldier. 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. Although they did not speak during, the participants occasionally sang the song ‘We’re here because we’re here’ which was sung in the trenches during the First World War. The public performance involved over 27 organisations including National Theatre Wales and was specially commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War Centenary. Med Rendell, a volunteer from Aberystwyth, said:‘It was an experience I’ll never forget. I felt so close to people that day, both fellow participants and the public. It was, in my eyes, the most important way to really hit home just how many lives were lost in World War One.’

Find out more: www.1418now.org.uk/commissions/were-here-because-were-here/

Right: 14-18 NOW – We’re here because we’re here – by Jeremy Deller and Rufus Norris, Snowdon © Mark Douet