Manchester Histories Festival 2014

Manchester Histories Festival 2014 was for people who like history and people who think they don’t!

2014 saw over 150 events and unique activities happening across Greater Manchester. Manchester Histories and the National Fairground Archive also brought  a unique exhibition, Belle Vue: Showground of the World Exhibition, celebrating the heady days of Belle Vue Zoological Gardens. In its hey day it attracted over 2 million visitors a year, and larger than Disneyland, people flocked to the Gorton site for the zoo, circus, fair, speedway, dancing, boxing, wrestling, fireworks and music for over 140 years.

Two women looking at Bellle Vue Exhibition Panel about the history
People gathered and talking at Belle Vue Exhibition
Back of man in striped shirt holding a Belle Vue Programme

Manchester Histories Festival Brochure 2014

VisualV1 - DownloadCreated with Sketch.

Take a look at the festival programme (3.9MB pdf)

Three people looking at an glass exhibition box with Belle Vue posters in it

'Had previously just been to buildings in local area, walked past, know more about
their History & will keep eyes open more now'

'Although history is in the past we can see it living in the memories of today'

'Memories of happy times at Belle Vue in my childhood and teenage years. I love Manchester!'

Festival attendees

44 People volunteered at the MHF14

Group of people chatting in front of a roaring lion image from Belle Vue Zoo

62% Of respondents stated that participating in an event inspired them to share their experience with friends & family

89% Of attendees to events, said they had learnt something new from MHF14