THE Imperial War Museum (IWM) is to commemorate the centenary of the First World War with a four year programme of cultural activities.


And the IWM North, which is based at Trafford Quays, is getting events underway with its ‘From Street to Trench: A War That Shaped a Region’ exhibition.


The free exhibition, which opened on April 5, is the largest exhibition ever created on the subject of the North West of England during the First World War.


A century after the outbreak of the conflict, IWM North has unearthed extraordinary and surprising personal stories - with objects never before on public display - revealing the region’s role in a global conflict.


The museum is also launching its ‘Finding Our First World War’ project this month, which aims to help thousands of young people and teachers in Greater Manchester to engage with the world’s first global conflict.


Pupils from Altrincham College of Arts have carried out new research into Trafford stories and IWM’s collections.


The display of stories of individuals - such as Victoria Cross winner Edward Brabury who died in action in 1914 - has been curated by the students and will be on display to the public in IWM North’s ‘From Street To Trench’ exhibition.


And from May 2014, the museum is launching a major series of new artistic responses to the First World War.


As part of the initiative, numerous artists have created artworks and will give live performances in an attempt to create al new and unique way to explore the impact of the conflict on everyone involved.


Visit iwm.org.uk for more information.