Peterloo
Mike Leigh's new film will premiere at the London Film Festival

17 August 2018

)

An epic portrayal of the events surrounding the infamous 1819 Peterloo massacre, where a peaceful pro-democracy rally at St Peter’s Field in Manchester turned into one of the bloodiest and most notorious episodes in British history. The massacre saw British government forces charge into a crowd of over 60,000 that had gathered to demand political reform and protest against rising levels of poverty. Many protestors were killed and hundreds more injured, sparking a nationwide outcry but also further government suppression. The Peterloo massacre was a defining moment in British democracy.

Peterloo will receive its UK premiere at the 62^nd BFI London Film Festival at HOME in Manchester followed by a Q&A, simulcast to cinemas around the UK, on Wednesday 17 October.

The screening represents the first time the BFI London Film Festival has premiered a film outside of the capital, offering audiences in Manchester and nationwide the opportunity to preview a major release with Manchester’s history at its forefront. On Friday 19^th October the film will also screen in London, with a Q+A afterwards with Mike Leigh.