The Manchester's Improving Daily Project
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2016-05-12

This paper will outline an ongoing project that combines archaeology and archival research with live music, spoken word, audio-visual displays and the production of a CD and accompanying book due for release in 2016.
Manchester Improving Daily is an ongoing Heritage Lottery Fund/ Arts Council England funded project that has its origins in conversations and chance meetings at Band on the Wall, a music and arts venue in Manchester. Edward II is a roots/reggae band that has previously recorded songs from the English Morris tradition. The project has involved different musical, academic, historic and cultural participants that has resulted in a diverse range of actants combining to interpret the eighteenth and nineteenth century Penny Broadsides for a 21st century audience. I am the named archaeologist in the HLF bid, and have written the CD liner notes, the various posters and projection used at the live gigs, and the book that will accompany the CD when it is released.
The interaction between these disparate groups has further enriched the project, resulting in a project that has transcended the original outline, with a dynamic and evolving investigation into the Manchester Ballads. In this respect, it is an example of intellectual, cultural and academic diversity that has blurred and crossed boundaries in the process of researching an overlooked and largely forgotten historical source. However - just as official versions of events are 'spun' by politicians and media outlets today, it is clear that ballad writers often had an agenda, and perhaps ulterior motives for publication. Nevertheless, the Manchester Ballads as a collection support and add to the understanding of Mancunian life in an era before newspapers were sold, and at a time when literacy was rare within the working classes. Taken together as a narrative, the Manchester Ballads are a snapshot of life in Industrial era Manchester, and the project has included performances in several of the historic locations that are featured in the songs, including The Angel Inn and Kersal Moor.
I will outline the Manchester’s Improving Daily project as is currently stands, and I will suggest it is an exemplar of cultural and heritage activity – giving an interdisciplinary perspective - that gravitates around significant locations such as Band on the Wall. During the session, I will include some of the artwork and music created during the session – with a preview of the music recorded at Elbow's Blueprint studios in Salford, due for release as a combined CD/book Package in 2016.

David JENNINGS