A new permanent exhibition is being unveiled at the Pankhurst Centre when the venue finally reopens in just a few weeks’ time.
Having been temporarily closed since the first lockdown was announced all the way back in March 2020, the museum and birthplace of the Suffragette movement will begin to welcome the Greater Manchester public back through its doors from Thursday 29 July for “a brand new visitor experience”.
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Local community groups will be given a four-week preview of the new exhibition before it opens to the wider public.
At Home with the Pankhurst Family will explore the lives of the Pankhurst family in a participatory and immersive way, which includes the chance to visit the parlour where Emmeline Pankhurst called the first meeting of what would come to be known as the suffragette movement.
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Funded by AIM Biffa Award History Makers as part of the Landfill Communities Fund, the new exhibition will completely transform the small Nelson Street-based museum.
The family’s experiences will be set within the context of historical events and viewpoints, exploring how the campaign to achieve ‘Votes for Women’ reached its pinnacle.
Since 1987, The Pankhurst Centre has acted as the hub for what would become one of history’s most iconic political movements / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
It is hoped that the re-imagination of the museum for this new permanent exhibition will be the start of a journey that will ultimately lead to the restoration of 60 and 62 Nelson Street – the location that has acted as the hub for what would become one of history’s most iconic political movements since it opened 1987.
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Speaking ahead of the museum’s opening, Gail Heath – CEO of the Pankhurst Trust – said: “The new permanent exhibition is visceral, powerful and moving and we are so looking forward to welcoming you all back into the museum to share the achievements of our suffragette sisters, past and present”.
Ruth Colton – Heritage Manager at the Pankhurst Centre – adds: “The Pankhurst Centre’s reopening begins with us giving back to grassroots community groups who play such an important role in people’s lives, and have particularly provided immense support over the last 12 months.
“We want these groups to be able to enjoy a relaxed and rewarding experience with us during our first few weeks of opening.
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“Then, from 29 August we’ll be open to all visitors, who we are excited to see discover the story of the Pankhurst family and the legacy of these change makers.”
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Public bookings for the Pankhurst Centre will open on Thursday 29 July 2021 for slots from Sunday 29 August.
Entry will be free, with a suggested donation of £5.
Featured Image – Pankhurst Trust
What's On
Sneak peak at Vue cinema’s fancy upgrade at Printworks, including reclining seats in every screen
Daisy Jackson
The Vue cinema inside the Printworks has undergone a major refurbishment and is set to reopen in the next few weeks.
The city centre entertainment complex is home to one of the largest IMAX screens in Europe, which has also been refurbished.
When it fully reopens in early September, Vue Manchester Printworks will have luxury recliner seats in every screen – and ticket prices as low as £4.99.
A sneak peak video shared by the cinema group shows rows of smart leather seats, with neon orange detailing.
The makeover will also include a revamped retail offering, from Coke Freestyle machines to draught beer taps.
Vue has undertaken the refurbishment project in stages, so 12 screens already have the benefit of the upgraded recliner seating.
It’s all ready for audiences to watch summer blockbusters including Minions: Rise of Gru, DC League of Super-Pets and Marvel Studio’s latest adventure Thor: Love and Thunder.
Ian Harris, general manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said: “As the home of the biggest screen in Manchester, we’ve always taken pride in offering the very best of big screen entertainment possible for film fans and families looking to escape into the latest blockbusters.
“With our fully refreshed IMAX screen and newly installed Recliner offering across all 19 of our other screens, we’re hugely excited to see the people of Manchester enjoy the best that film and big screen events have to offer in the best and most luxurious seats in the house.”
Featured image: Vue
What's On
Manchester chosen to host British Street Food Awards for 2022
Georgina Pellant
Every year, the British Street Food Awards highlights the very best chefs from the scene – and this summer, the northern heat will be held right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Manchester’s biggest and friendliest street food operator GRUB in partnership with newcomer Circle Square, the city will welcome the Northern Heat of the British Street Food Awards (BSFA) on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 August.
This year, the line up includes local favourites Unagi street food and suhi, 2020 Best Burger winners Porco and Kara’s Kitchen, who is known for serving up paellas with a twist.
Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied
That’s not all. You’ll also find authentic Sri Lankan food from Archchi’s, Posh Street Food from former Master Chef Professional Matei Baran, Shoot The Bull, plus more from Ted’s tacos, Skullduggery, Pellizco and DOSA.
Taking place at Circle Square from 12 noon until 8pm, across two days some of the best street food traders in the region will come together for the event with a fully-stocked beer bar from North Brewing Co.
Food fans will have a chance to sample some of the best street food traders from across the region and cast their votes for the People’s Choice over the weekend alongside a stellar line-up of judges, including former BSFA champion Claire Kelsey of Ginger’s Comfort Emporium inside Afflecks.
Image: Posh Street Food
Image: Kara’s Kitchen
The event in Manchester will mark the last of four regional heats, at the end of which the winners will be chosen by the general public and expert judges.
The winners will then go on to the grand finals in London next month.
On the Friday 26 August, GRUB will also host a smaller collection of street food vendors to help build up the excitement for the awards the following day.
The weekend of street food at Circle Square is free to attend and will take place from 26 to 28 August just off Oxford Road.
Emily Sergeant -
13th July 2021 
