On the march to mark Peterloo Massacre

A COMMEMORATIVE walk from Oldham Civic Centre to St Peter’s Field, Manchester, will mark the 192nd anniversary of the infamous Peterloo Massacre this weekend.

Sunday’s event commemorates the tragedy in Manchester when sabre-wielding cavalry cleared 70,000 men, women and children who had gathered from across the area, including an estimated 10,000 from Oldham, to demand the reform of Parliamentary representation.

A total of 14 people died, including six from Oldham.

For the past two years, Oldham Community Radio has led the walk to St Peter’s Field, better known as Manchester Central (formerly G-Mex), and listeners have asked for it to be repeated again this year.

The walk will follow in the footsteps of the original Reformers and those taking part can join in at any point close to their home or en route.

It starts at 9am from the Rochdale Road entrance of the civic centre before a trek of seven miles to Manchester.

Station manager David McGealy said: “The Peterloo Massacre was a defining moment in the history of this country. The issues it raised would resonate around the globe.”

Walkers need to register by tomorrow by either email to studio@oldhamcommunityradio.com, text 07905 10 22 55 or call 0161-682 5599.