Visit the national museum of democracy, the People's History Museum in Manchester, and discover the Peterloo Massacre of 1819, where the museum’s story starts. This major event in Manchester’s history and a defining moment in Britain’s democracy is explored in a new blockbuster film by renowned director Mike Leigh – research for which was done using PHM’s collections.

Peterloo – in cinemas Friday 2 November

PHM is marking the bicentenary of Peterloo through a programme of events and exhibitions that will explore the changing face of protest: past, present and future. Commemorations have begun with a collaboration with internationally acclaimed artist Axel Void creating a stunning piece of street art on the museum’s riverside wall in tribute to Peterloo and its continuing relevance today.

PHM are excited to be in partnership with Workers’ Educational Association to offer some fascinating new courses. Explore The Masque of Anarchy, a poem written in response to Peterloo by Percy Bysshe Shelley, with the famous lines ‘Rise Like Lions!’ and ‘We Are Many! They Are Few!’.