Peters Field, Rochdale Feel Good Festival, Sunday, 11 August 2024

Illustration of the Peterloo Massacre.
On 16 August 1819, 60,000 working people gathered peacefully in Manchester to advocate parliamentary reform at a time when most people could not vote.

A new Rochdale made musical marking one of the most momentous days in working class history makes its live debut, featuring 15 original songs. Written by award-winning songwriter and member of The Young’uns, Sean Cooney, it tells a story of struggle, tyranny, liberty and hope against the backdrop of the Peterloo Massacre in 1819. Cooney will be joined by twice Mercury-nominated artist Eliza Carthy MBE and critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Sam Carter.

On 16 August 1819, 60,000 working people gathered peacefully in Manchester to advocate parliamentary reform at a time when most people could not vote. 3,000 came from Rochdale. They were violently dispersed by the authorities who sent in the yeomanry cavalry to arrest the speakers and clear the field. At least 18 people were killed and hundreds injured in what became known as the Peterloo Massacre.