Sunday the 26^th July 2020 is the 200^th anniversary of the official opening of the Union Chain Bridge. This engineering triumph over the River Tweed is loved by the local community and so, before the Coronavirus epidemic, it felt fitting that there should be an on-site celebration to mark the birthday of this important structure. However, since that is not currently possible, instead there will be a programme of digital events running throughout the day. Starting at 10am, the Berwick Museum and Art Gallery Facebook page will be hosting a series of activities, posts, and showing the première of a specially composed bicentenary film. 

The full programme:

10 am – the official launch of the brand-new website www.unionchainbridge.com

11 am – a historical article to be published on the 1820 grand opening ceremony

12 pm – the première of the 200^th birthday bicentenary film

1 pm – an invitation for Union Chain Bridge stories and memories from the public

2 pm – a craft activity during which you can make your own paper model of the Union Chain Bridge

3 pm – links to The Friends of the Union Chain Bridge’s bicentenary symposium publication

4 pm – STEM kit give-away: launch of a competition to get a free children’s k’nex bridge building kit

5 pm – links to the historical and engineering stories of the Union Chain Bridge on the new Bridge Stories section of the website 

To follow all the action, turn on, and tune in to: www.facebook.com/berwickmuseum.The bicentenary celebrations, on 26^th July, and wider 18-month conservation of the Union Chain Bridge, starting in August, is also a catalyst for further outreach. A programme of learning, research activities through archaeological digs and in the archives, and community engagement, will take place over the next two years. For all these activities, we will need the help of volunteers. To read more about the wider Union Chain Bridge project, please click here.