Manchester Histories Festival – Free and Family Friendly
Manchester Histories Festival 2024 from Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 June:
connecting people through histories and heritage
Manchester Histories Festival started in 2009, inspired by the late Professor John Pickstone from the University of Manchester’s Centre for the History of Science and Technology. Since then, it has grown into a much-loved part of the festival scene across Greater Manchester.
The award-winning festival is now back for its ninth edition, with a four-day programme filled with music, performances, talks, showcases, crafts, activities and more, including a vintage bus. The festival is designed for all, which means there are many opportunities for children and adults to get involved for FREE*.
This year, the biennial festival is partnered with The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, which turn 200 years old in 2024.
‘Manchester Histories Festival is in its ninth year and has grown and grown. It involves a huge number of local groups… it brings all the communities together. There’s dialogue and new discoveries, it’s a really terrific time.’ Professor Michael Wood OBE
Sunday 9 June (1pm – 7pm): Free family-friendly celebration Sunday at various locations. All locations are accessible. Please see venue websites for travel and access information.
A summer treat for all ages, which will feature craft stalls, live music, comedy, walking tours, talks, exhibitions, and a heritage bus.
There will be a Histories & Heritage Marketplace of over 50 stalls from groups and organisations across Greater Manchester and the North West that celebrate, preserve, and explore our histories and heritage, located indoors at the Whitworth Hall, and on Gilbert Green.
Everyone is invited to join in the Many Hands Parade, presented by choreographer Ruth Jones. Come and make a ‘hand on a stick’ with professional craft artists from 2pm to 3pm, after that enjoy a rehearsal with professional dancers from 3pm to 4pm (no previous experience required), then take part in the parade from 4.30pm to 5.15pm. Expect to learn some interesting historical facts about the people who have made The University of Manchester shine over the past 200 years. Have a lot of fun and feel a big sense of community. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
Why not take part in a performance created for the street, where you are the star of the show? 16 rpm is presenting The Carpeters, in which a trio of performers with rolled red carpets make their way through the streets, down crowded paths, over obstacles, rolling and unrolling carpets. You are invited to walk, roll, stroll, strut, cartwheel, skate, crawl, or flip along the red carpet to the cheers of the crowd. Events will take place in various locations across Manchester, including the Whitworth, Manchester Central Library, The University of Manchester, and Manchester Met.
Thursday 6 June (5.45pm – 9pm): Open Night Launch at Whitworth Art Gallery.
Friday 7 and Saturday 8 June: ‘R Histories Open Mic Extravaganza! at Manchester Central Library.
For the full list of events from Thursday 6 June – Sunday 9 June visit www.manchesterhistories.co.uk and subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed.
Registered Charity No. 1151944
Donations always welcome to keep our shared histories alive.
Events listed are correct at time of going to print. Please check the website and social media channels for any unavoidable last-minute changes.
www.manchesterhistories.co.uk
