Spineless Wonders: Songs and Street Literature
| Dates: | 6 May 2026 |
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| Times: | 15:15 - 16:45 |
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| What is it: | Theatre/Performance |
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| Organiser: | John Rylands Library |
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Join us for an afternoon of collections and song, exploring the lively world of historic broadside ballads. This unique event offers the chance to hear selections from the library’s broadside ballad collections brought vividly to life by acclaimed balladeer Jennifer Reid.
Broadside ballads were short narrative verses or songs, printed on a single sheet of inexpensive paper and sold cheaply on the streets, at markets and fairs, or door-to-door. Often ephemeral and never meant to last, these pieces of street literature give a fascinating insight into the lives, concerns and entertainments of ordinary people.
Collection Encounter: 3.15–4.30pm
Live performances by Jennifer Reid:
• 3.45–4.05pm in the Reading Room
• 4.20–4.40pm in the Historic Entrance (please note this area has stepped access)
A rare opportunity to experience these fragile collections as they were originally intended — performed aloud and shared
This event is free and drop in
Find out more about Jennifer here
https://jenniferballads.com/
Travel and Contact Information
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John Rylands Research Institute and Library
150 Deansgate
Manchester
Gtr Manchester
