Mill Girls And Militants - Preston Flag Market And Harris Museum - 11am And 3pm - 27/10/18

Mill Girls And Militants - Preston Flag Market And Harris Museum - 11am And 3pm - 27/10/18

Oct, 25 2018


~Lancashire in 1918. It would have been a very different scene to the Lancashire we’re accustomed to now. One of the most significant stories to come out of that period was the suffrage movement and how female empowerment led to women being given the right  to vote.

That historic movement would have been an overwhelming feeling for women across Lancashire. You can almost here the hollering and shouts of ‘at last!’ and ‘freedom is here!’ For some they may have cheered and perhaps felt the need to sing. Some may have even have danced till dawn.

The Mill Girls and Militants contributed to the suffrage movement. Their arduous hours working at the mill did not mean they would neglect what was happening outside, far from it.

 Real women from Preston, Lancaster and Burnley have inspired a dance  project combined by Ludus Youth Theatre Company and community groups to perform a dance ensemble.

‘Mill Girls and Militants’ will be showcased on the Preston Flag Market this Saturday 27th October 2018. The group took part in Lancashire Encounter Festival and the dancers will return for the National Lottery and Heritage Lottery funded project.

The performance sees the Mill girls as they gather at work and word spreads of a secret meeting. The dance develops by expressing the women’s frustrations, anger, strength, and ultimate perseverance against a system that holds them down.

Here are four key aspects about the dance you may wish to note down :-

  • Performances will take place at 11am and 3pm, with each lasting just under one hour.
  • The event is free and you can book your place for the indoor performances (www.blogpreston.co.uk) all of which are fully accessible.
  • Outdoor performances are non-ticketed.
  • The dances will be filmed on a 360-degree camera to be shared across Lancashire through a digital VR experience

The event is being held partnership with Preston City Council and The Harris Museum and Art Gallery.

Preston’s heritage will be brought to life this weekend with a special performance of dance on the Flag Market.

  • Mill Girls and Militants
  • 11am and 3pm
  • Saturday 27 October 2018.

^Alex Ashworth.