The International Brigades Memorial Trust are holding a one-day event to mark the 90th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War at the People’s History Museum in Manchester on 11 July.
The day, billed as a mix of ‘collections and conversations’, will feature a visit to the museum archives to look at civil war material chosen by the IBMT and Manchester Cervantes Institute, including photographs, newspapers, magazines, correspondence and minutes from the period.
There will also be a film screening, live music and songs from the conflict, plus presentations on humanitarian aid and the British, Irish and Commonwealth volunteers who signed up to defend the Spanish republic from Franco’s fascists.
Speakers include historian Chris Hall, whose new book British Volunteers and the Spanish Civil War: The Passionate Cause, 1936-39, will be available to buy on the day, plus Dr Richard Baxell.
There will be a new film, curated by Marshall Mateer from IBMT, while Melanie Hall from local harmony group The Mad Donnas, will talk about the soundtrack to the war and perform popular Spanish Civil War songs.
Programme for the day
- 11.00am – 1.00pm: Drop in archive exploration
- 1.00pm – 2.00pm: Lunch break
We recommend PHM’s café Gather. A picnic area is available for attendees bringing their own food and drink. Attendees can also explore items related to the Spanish Civil War on permanent display in Gallery One. - 2.00pm – 2.05pm: Welcome – Chair, Dolores Long, North West International Brigade Memorial Group
- 2.05pm – 2.25pm: Film presentation of ‘Spain 1936-39: A Short Introduction to the Spanish Civil War’ – Marshall Mateer, International Brigade Memorial Trust
- 2.25pm – 2.45pm: Talk on Humanitarian Aid to Republican Spain – Chris Hall
- 2.45pm – 3.05pm: Performance – The Mad Donnas
- 3.05pm – 3.20pm: Break & book signing – Chris Hall
- 3.20pm – 3.50pm: Talk on the British Battalion of the International Brigade – Dr Richard Baxell, International Brigade Memorial Trust
- 3.50pm – 4.20pm: Panel discussion and Q&A with Chris Hall, Dr Richard Baxell, Marshall Mateer, and Melanie Hall, with closing remarks by Chair, Dolores Long
- 4.20pm – 5.00pm: Book signing – Chris Hall
Entrance costs £10 and you can book a place here.
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