We're really looking forward to a new show marking one of the most momentous days in working-class history making its debut at FolkEast. With 15 original songs and a compelling narrative drawn from hundreds of eyewitness accounts, Peter's Field has been written by award-winning songwriter (and member of the Young’uns) Sean Cooney. 

 Sean will be joined by twice Mercury-nominated Eliza Carthy MBE and critically acclaimed guitarist and singer songwriter Sam Carter for this story of struggle, tyranny, liberty and hope. Peter's Field tells how, on 16th August 1819, 60,000 working people gathered peacefully in Manchester to advocate parliamentary reform at a time when most people did not have the right to vote.

 They were violently dispersed by the authorities, who sent in the Yeomanry Cavalry to arrest the speakers and clear the field. At least 18 people were killed and hundreds injured in what became known as the Peterloo Massacre.

Here are a series of Videos made by Sean whilst working on the project.

Sean Cooney 

Sean is a songwriter and one third of award-winning folk trio, The Young'uns. Known for his poignant and socially conscious lyrics, he has garnered acclaim for his storytelling prowess, writing and presenting for the BBC, amongst others. He has also worked extensively in education – writing and sharing songs and stories with children from more than one hundred schools across the UK.

Eliza Carthy

 Describing herself simply as a “modern English musician”, Eliza Carthy is one of the most impressive, engaging, and important performers of her generation. As the daughter of folk legends Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson, Eliza grew up immersed in the world of traditional music, and her powerful, nuanced voice, fiercely beautiful fiddle-playing, and mesmerising performances are beloved of staunch traditionalists and iconoclasts alike.

 Sam Carter

 Guitarist and singer Sam Carter is a highly regarded instrumentalist with a reputation for vivid, narrative-driven songwriting, and has been described as having a ‘killer voice’ by award-winning musician Nitin Sawhney. His impressive back catalogue and captivating live shows attest to his ability to bring together a diverse set of influences from English folk song and American shapenote singing through to hard rock.