Some diverse but solid symbols
of Manchester: the green and socialist political movements, the Hacienda and Manchester
Central station.
The People’s History Museum in Manchester is holding a politics festival - POLLfest. Visitors are invited to join in from Friday 15 to Thursday 21 November to mark Parliament Week with a series of events, activities and unfamiliar goings on to explore this year’s theme of Women in Democracy.
The festival kicks off on Friday 15 November with a special tour of the main galleries celebrating women’s contribution to UK democratic life.
On Saturday 16 November, MP for Manchester Central, Lucy Powell, will give her views on what it’s like to be a female MP in parliament today. In a Q&A with the museum’s Director, Katy Archer, Lucy will chart her journey from joining the Labour Party, to becoming the first ever female Labour MP in Manchester, to taking up her new role as shadow minister for childcare.
Lucy commented: ‘I'm really glad to be taking part in this festival as part of Parliament Week in Manchester. I want to make sure that parliament doesn't seem remote to people and so it's good to have the chance to discuss parliament's work in my constituency and to hear some of the questions which people have. I am very keen to talk to people about politics and I'm pleased to have the chance to talk to people about some of my own experiences.’
In the evening, there's Pecha Kucha, an informal presentation event where people are invited to talk about politics with a maximum of 20 slides for up to 20 seconds each. This allows for quick, straight to the point presentations which both engage and educate.
The Working Class Movement Library will be holding a Women in Democracy event, highlighting the lack of women MPs which is often a complaint about parliament. With women making up over half of the population it goes that they should make up half of parliament. Visitors can see collections relating to those pioneering women who fought against this inequality, from the first female councillor in Eccles, to the women in the Co-operative movement, explore how women have fought for an equal say.
On Sunday 17 November the funny side of politics is aired in Comedy Spectacular! Do Not Adjust Your Stage will improvise scenes and stories inspired by the museum’s story.Gráinne Maguire will be bringing her One Hour All Night Election Special to the museum. Gráinne condenses all the fun of staying up late to watch democracy in process. Expect needlessly complicated graphics, politicians dancing awkwardly and humiliated grown ups trying not to cry in public. There will be Swingometers…
Throughout the festival groups can book guided tours, Living History workshops or pARTicipate sessions to find out more about the history of democracy in the UK. The festival is suitable for young people and adults and The Left Bank cafe bar will be offering 15% off to all visitors attending any of the events. See you there!
You always have such interesting things to do and see there.
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