Darwin celebrations planned

Saturday 10th January 2009, 2:54PM GMT.

The Darwin year is set to be a true spectacle celebrating 200 years since the birth of Shrewsbury’s most famous son, party organisers have vowed.

The events programme put together by “Darwin’s Shrewsbury” features activities, concerts, festivals, shows and more throughout the year.

See also: Expert’s admiration for Darwin

They will culminate in a fireworks display and bonfire at the West Mid Show when Darwin’s birthplace, The Mount, will be illuminated for all to see.

The fun began on New Year’s Day when a new work of multi-media art featuring large-scale digital images, including film, photos and animations was projected intermittently on to buildings around town.

It will go on over the winter months on buildings including the Library in Castle Street, where Darwin went to school, the Old Market Hall and the Unitarian Church, which Darwin attended with his mother.

February, the month of Darwin’s birth, will see a number of visiting speakers including Johnny Ball, who will be giving a free talk for county schools.

View more: Charles Darwin news.