For 2017, Manchester is promising its biggest May Day extravaganza to date, beginning on Saturday 29th April at 11am with a 'Save The NHS' march from All Saints Park to Sackville Gardens.
From noon, a festival kicks in at both Sackville Gardens and the Mechanics Institute, featuring workshops, stalls, theatre, music and film – including a discussion with film director Pablo Navarrete and a session with the Venezuelan Ambassador to the UK.
There are also debates on issues ranging from Trident to SATs, to the universal basic income; a screening of I, Daniel Blake and the launch of the Manchester and Salford NUJ film about reporting poverty. Speakers at a May Day rally include Durham Teaching Assistant, Lisa Turnbull, and Ritzy Cinema worker Holly Fishman Cook, who were involved in big recent disputes, and Bakers' Union General Secretary Ronnie Draper.
Saturday is rounded off at night with performances from singer-songwriters Tony Harper, Claire Mooney and the Quiet Loner plus folk-hop duo, Honeyfeet.
"We are living in extraordinary times" says Manchester Trades Union Council President, Alex Davidson "Austerity continues to be forced down the throats of society's most vulnerable people, nationalism and militarism are resurgent and millions of workers are struggling to live on breadline wages.
"But there is also much to be positive about" he adds "Manchester is a trade union city and May Day is the time when we come together to celebrate our wonderful movement. May Day helps breathe life into struggles and campaigns and it gives activists confidence. But most importantly, May Day is about enjoying yourself."
For full details and schedules for the May Day Festival see the Facebook event page – click here
On Sunday 30th April, Kerry Leigh, Gerry Potter, Annette Fagon and Steph Pike take to the stage for a comedy and poetry night, also at the Mechanics Institute – see the Facebook event page for further details – click here.
Mechanics Institute
103 Princess Street, M1 6DD
* Salford has its own May Day event on Monday 1st May - full details to follow
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