The Anvil: An Elegy For Peterloo

Sun 7 Jul, all day

Various locations, no booking required.

On 16 August 1819, more than 60,000 people flooded into St Peter’s Field from all over Manchester. They came in peace, united in their passion for the right to vote. But as the speeches began, armed troops on horseback charged into the crowd, killing 15 and injuring more than 600. The Peterloo Massacre was a pivotal moment in British history, a landmark on our road to democracy. And now, MIF is marking its 200th anniversary with an extraordinary day of performance, poetry and music.

ANU, one of Europe’s most daring theatre companies, is taking to the streets for a day-long series of immersive performances, all completely free. Inspired by the lives and stories of those who died at Peterloo, the company is collaborating with people from all over Greater Manchester to explore what Peterloo meant then and what it means today – reflecting on the events of 1819 while forging a vital new connection with our 21st-century city.

Commissioned by Manchester International Festival, the BBC Philharmonic and BBC Radio 3. Produced by Manchester International Festival and the BBC Philharmonic. Supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation as part of My Festival.

Photo: Manuel Streit