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Manchester Histories Festival 2024

Shekina Rose, Families Editor
Tea Club Walk-About Performance at Manchester Histories Festival 2024

6 — 9 June 2024 Entrance is free — Visit now

Make history with a weekend of family fun at the multi award-winning Manchester Histories Festival 2024, returning in its ninth year to celebrate the incredible history and culture of Manchester. Presented in partnership with The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, celebrating 200 years in 2024, this year’s Manchester Histories Festival is set to be particularly special. Even better, it’s completely free for everyone to enjoy.

Manchester Histories Festival takes place in various locations all across the city of Manchester. Highlights include music World Premieres, walk-about performances, family crafts workshops, live music, comedy, and public talks, as well as over 50 history and heritage stalls. Hundreds of people from across Greater Manchester, the North West and further afield are involved in over 40 free events, sharing their eclectic and quirky mix of knowledge and talent with the public. This four-day event really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

Manchester Met – Intangible Sounds

Kick off the Manchester Histories Festival on 6 June, with an evening of celebration at The Whitworth. This special night features four world premieres of new musical compositions, celebrating 200 years of The University of Manchester, with five incredibly talented musicians from the BBC Philharmonic performing these pieces. You can also enjoy an immersive audiovisual experience honouring Manchester legends – computing genius Alan Turing and music pioneer Delia Derbyshire. Compered by Manchester-based “sonic enchantress” (BBC Radio 3) electronic musician Caro C and visual artist Elisa Artesero.

Next up on Friday 7 June and Saturday 8 June, head to the Central Library for the R Histories Open Mic Extravaganza!, showcasing fascinating stories from local Manchester residents. Also catch It Started with a Seed (IS WAS), the inaugural International Storytelling Festival celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Manchester Metropolitan University, with five innovative projects from students, emerging artists and communities.

‘R Histories Open Mic Extravaganza! (left to right) Yakub Qureshi, Dean Kirby, Chris Osuh

On Saturday you won’t want to miss Intangible Sounds, where researchers from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Manchester Metropolitan University present a day of public talks and workshops on the heritage of music and sound, as well as evening music and performance events exploring how music, sound and sonic experiences connect with time and place. How sound evokes memories and emotions, and bonds us with new and familiar communities and individuals.

Michael Wood, historian, broadcaster, and Professor of Public History at The University of Manchester

Last but not least, end the festival with a big bang at the Celebration Day on Sunday 9 June at Whitworth Hall and Alan Gilbert Square on Oxford Road. This family-friendly day is packed with live music, comedy, craft workshops, walk-about performances, and talks from acclaimed historians including Michael Wood, also Professor of Public History at The University of Manchester. Compered by the fabulous Ruth Cockburn and Keith Carter (known as Black Liver), popular from BBC Radio 4 and winners of the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2024.

Comperes, Black Liver

So don’t miss out. Bring your family and friends to celebrate the shared history of our amazing city at the ninth multi award-winning Manchester Histories Festival 2024. Free tickets are available to book in advance, but please note some events do have limited capacity.

6 — 9 June 2024 Entrance is free Visit now

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The very best of South African cuisine in an intimate, friendly space in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

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The Daisy is one of Manchester’s more in-demand basement bars, offering an underground Paris-inspired night out.

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Colourful Brazilian fine dining at Caroline Martin’s intimate restaurant, Sampa.

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ibis Leeds City Centre Arena is a hotel that’s Yorkshire through and through. Brewed with the very best of Leeds and Yorkshire, this hotel’s bustling and modern like the city.

Welcome to Yorkshire and Oulton Hall & Spa. Perfectly located to explore the whole of Yorkshire, situated only 2 miles from junction 30 off the M62 or Junction 44 off the M1. Standing within the beautiful Yorkshire countryside close to Leeds, Oulton Hall combines all the elegance of a mid 18th century mansion with the modern facilities you would expect for business and leisure, including, Champagne Bar, Drawing Room serving traditional afternoon tea, 2 restaurants, not to mention the 7 individually designed suites and the conference and banqueting facilities for up to 350 guests. An incredible, mid 18th century mansion with breathtaking gardens, that has been lovingly restored and extended to create a hotel with a traditional character and unique charm offering everything a guest needs to ease the stresses of everyday life. Golfers will relish the challenge of the championship Calverley course, or why not treat yourself to a relaxing health and beauty treatment in the Spa at the Oul
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Welcome to Yorkshire and Oulton Hall & Spa. Perfectly located to explore the whole of Yorkshire, standing within the beautiful Yorkshire countryside close to Leeds.

Comprising 147 sophisticated rooms and suites, this Leeds accommodation offers the desirable combination of a city centre location and historical character. All rooms and suites include premium amenities such as free high-speed, wireless Internet, a mini bar, a flat-screen television, air conditioning, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Accessible, interconnecting and family rooms are available as well.Welcome to a brand new concept right on your doorstep. Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar boasts a Yorkshire style infused menu with a twist. The Grill House and Cocktail Bar serves guests in the heart of Leeds city centre at the Radisson Blu Hotel Leeds. Come absorb the comforting surroundings, coupled with the enchanting smells and woodiness of flavours coming from the kitchen. Enjoy your meal with expertly blended drinks from the cocktail waiters that will take you through the night. Experience an unparalleled dining experience at Fire Lake Grill House and Cocktail Bar. The
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Comprising 147 sophisticated rooms and suites, this Leeds accommodation offers the desirable combination of a city centre location and historical character.

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Conveniently situated in the centre of Leeds, Hampton By Hilton Leeds City Centre provides air-conditioned rooms, a gym, free WiFi and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business centre.

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Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall still remains a place where today's pressures seem an age away. Set down a long private drive Wood Hall is perched high on the hill set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.Set apart from the distractions of the office, Wood Hall is the ideal spot for business events, or simply some fresh thinking. The 2 AA Rosette Georgian Restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel creates a special atmosphere in which to enjoy a fine dining experience to mark a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it!Unwind in the spa, tone up in the gym, or step out and make the most of the beautiful Yorkshire surroundings. On sunny days you can dine al fresco with a specailly prepared picnic hamper in the Italian Gardens.
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Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall is set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.

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