Step back in history!

Don’t miss some of the exciting events happening at People’s History Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of social justice and political activism in the UK.

Discover inspiring stories of individuals and movements that have shaped our society, and engage with thought-provoking exhibitions that highlight the fight for workers’ rights and democracy.

Time To Strike

Open everyday except Tuesdays at People’s History Museum, this FREE exhibit explores the development of democracy in Britain and the history of strikes, where historic and modern labour movements take centre stage. This collaboration with the Rickard Sisters highlights iconic strikes, from the Dock Labourers’ Strike of 1889 to the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike. For younger visitors, interactive displays share the inspiring story of the 1888 Match Girls’ Strike, featuring a game illustrating their fight against dangerous working conditions. 

An AR feature also showcases the 1970s Grunwick strike, led by Jayaben Desai against workplace discrimination. Exclusive artwork from the Rickard Sisters, including commemorative tea towels and postcards, will also be available, celebrating the courage of those who stood for change.  

Winter Warmer Preview

Welcoming in the festive cheer, the markets begin with a Winter Warmer preview evening on Thursday 20 November (5.00pm to 8.00pm).  This ticketed event, which includes a complimentary glass of mulled wine, is the first chance to experience the markets and is accompanied by an evening of entertainment.  There will be live music from the museum’s resident jazz band (with a playlist including seasonal favourites) and mini after dark gallery tours.  Plus there will be a residency by textile artist Frockdolly – PHM’s creative partner for this year’s range of Christmas decorations – who you can join to make your very own Christmas Candy Swirl Decoration to take home (all materials are included and this activity is included within the ticket price).  A great evening to catch up with friends, this will be a fun way to shop and socialise.

The magnificent Edwardian Engine Hall at People’s History Museum (PHM) is set to be transformed into a Christmas market space with the arrival of the Winter Makers Marketsfrom Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 November.  Enjoy a fabulous seasonal shopping experience, cosy atmosphere, craft workshops and festive touches – including choirs and delicious foodie delights.  The markets begin with a Winter Warmer preview evening event on Thursday 20 November (£10, bookable in advance) and then open from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November (free entry, no booking required).

All taking place under the vast glass roof of the Grade II listed building, which will be decorated for the occasion, the markets will bring together some of the finest independent makers and designers from across the North West.  Stalls will be brimming with gifts and goodies galore, with ceramics, textiles, art, stationery, homeware, and more.  A visit to the markets is also the perfect time to explore the brand new PHM Shop, now open with new exclusive ranges, an expanded collection of products, and a fabulous range of Christmas decorations and gifts.

Contemporary ceramics influenced by Brazil from Studio Papagaio, the colourful world of The Wonky Artist, textile homewares and fashion accessories by Drapper Alice, everything you need for journaling – from handmade leather notebooks to decorative washi tape – by Kayztyle, travel accessories in beautiful fabrics by Olganna, jewellery pieces crafted from recycled silver by JillyGDesign, and the intricate embroidery of Hannah Louise Stitches – these are just some of the stalls to look out for.

Winter Warmer tickets are £10, include a glass of mulled wine together with all the activities outlined, and can be booked here.

Winter Makers Markets

Alongside over 30 stalls to browse and shop from, there will be plenty of Christmas sparkle to savour at PHM’s Winter Makers Markets.  A specially themed cafe menu will feature food and drink that’s the perfect accompaniment.  And across the weekend there will be joyful singing performances from Magic Voices Choir and Manchester Civil Services Choir. 

For those inspired to do their own making, taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November are a series of workshops, with opportunities to create a personalised Christmas gift or handcraft the finishing touches that will make your gifting this year extra special.  They each take place on both days of the weekend and should be booked in advance here.

The Woven Christmas Card workshop (11.00am to 12.00pm) is hosted by the creative team behind Studio Texteal – Hannah and Claire.  They will take you through weaving techniques in different threads and textures to design and create a Christmas card.  All the materials are provided and the workshop is intended to be beginner-friendly, so it’s the perfect chance to try a new craft.  Tickets are £15, plus booking fee, and can be booked here.

Lino printing is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling crafts that you can experience, as you will discover in this introductory session with artist, illustrator and printmaker Halina Isherwood.  From creating your own design, to making this into a lino stamp, you’ll be guided through the whole process.  Then you’ll experience the joy of printing your own Christmas cards, wrapping paper or gift tags.  And with the stamp yours to keep, you can continue producing more creations when you get home!  Tickets for the Lino Printing workshop (1.00pm to 2.30pm) are £20, plus booking fee, and can be booked here.  

Who doesn’t love receiving jewellery as a gift? Even better – why not give a piece you’ve made yourself.  Join the Jewellery Making workshop (2.30pm to 3.30pm) run by Angharad Rose, where you’ll create both a pair of stylish earrings and either a bracelet or necklace.  Angharad’s love of jewellery making will shine through in this workshop, with colourful beads and charms to choose from to make pieces that are truly unique to you.  No previous experience is needed and you’ll receive guidance on all the tools to use.  Tickets are £20, plus booking fee, and can be booked here.

The final workshop, Make an Embroidered Poinsettia (3.00pm to 4.00pm), is the opportunity to spend time with embroiderer extraordinaire Frockdolly, aka Cas Verity Barker.  With step by step guidance Cas will guide you through the whole process of creating a hand embroidered poinsettia in stitches and beads using colourful felt, which canbe worn as a brooch or hung as a Christmas decoration.  You’ll also go away with a goody bag so that you can continue to have fun experimenting with stitching.  No previous experience is needed, tckets are £15, plus booking fee, and can be booked here.

The Winter Makers Markets are organised by the venue hire team at PHM and support the work of the national museum of democracy: from its collections to its communities.