3PM SHOW – Peter’s Field @ Music Room 15/03/26

NOTE – This is a 3pm show.

Peter’s Field is an epic musical chronicle that tells the story of one of the most important days in working class history.

On 16th August 1819, 60,000 people gathered in the centre of Manchester. Many had walked miles to be there from all across Lancashire. They went to hear the famous radical speaker Henry ‘Orator’ Hunt who called for working people to have the vote. They were unarmed and peaceful.

Local magistrates sent in the yeomanry cavalry and 15th Hussars to disperse the crowd and arrest Hunt. At least 18 people were killed and hundreds injured in the murderous scenes that followed. Women were deliberately targeted. It became known as the Peterloo Massacre.

The magistrates and military were completely exonerated and it would be 100 years until working people had the vote.

Peter’s Field is born from years of research and comprises 19 original songs by Sean Cooney (The Yung’uns) performed with Rowan Rheingans (The Rheingans Sisters) and Sam Carter, alongside a compelling spoken narrative derived from hundreds of eyewitness accounts.

What people have said so far:

“Peter’s Field is an astonishing work…a compelling, passionate performance, radio-ballad-like, evocative and haunting.” Songlines

“Peter’s Field is the most powerful evocation yet of Peterloo.”

Professor Robert Poole, author of Peterloo: the English Uprising

Social media reactions to the premiere at FolkEast 16th August 2024

“It was amazing and left me in tears.”

“What a wonderful and inspirational performance…we were totally mesmerised by your brilliant account of this tragic story; and historic event beautifully told in words, songs and music. Absolutely fantastic!”

“It was magnificent. A moment in folk history. Fantastic.”

“Exceptional… one of the finest performances ever seen at the event.”

Due to unforseen circumstances the 8pm show has been cancelled. Ticket holders can transfer to this 3pm matinee or claim a full refund. We are sorry for any inconvenience.