MFF25 - Peter's Field

Following its remarkable debut at FolkEast on the 205th anniversary of Peterloo, we are pleased to bring Peter’s Field to Middleton this autumn. Written by award-winning songwriter (and member of the Young’uns) Sean Cooney and featuring Eliza Carthy MBE & Sam Carter, this new Rochdale-made work marks one of the most momentous days in working-class history.

Consisting of 15 original songs and a spoken narrative, this story of struggle, tyranny, liberty and hope, tells how, on 16th August 1819, 60,000 working people gathered peacefully in Manchester to advocate parliamentary reform at a time when most people did not have the right to vote. Their violent dispersion, in which 18 people were killed and hundreds injured, became known as the Peterloo Massacre.

Following a standing ovation from a full house at FolkEast, don’t miss this “wonderful and inspirational performance” this October. The piece will be recorded in the autumn of 2024.