DigiFest / Manchester Histories Festival 2020 – Online

DigiFest / Manchester Histories Festival 2020 – Online, 4–5 September 2020, free entry - Find Out More

2020 marks 50 years since the first piece of legislation in the world to recognise and give rights to people with disabilities was passed, representing a landmark step on the road to equality that changed the lives of many. And it came out of Manchester.

The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act was introduced by Lord Alf Morris – a Mancunian social reformer and Labour MP for Wythenshawe for 33 years – whose vision was to ‘add life to years’. Alf’s Act (as it became known) was revolutionary in transforming official policy, setting down specific provisions to improve access and support for people with disabilities.

A celebration of the anniversary, alongside an examination of the state of equality among people with disabilities in the UK today, will now lie at the heart of DigiFest – an online reimaging of this year’s Manchester Histories Festival, which was cancelled due to the impact of COVID-19. The revised programme will also examine the impact of the pandemic on disabled people’s lives.

DigiFest will take place over two days at the start of September with a programme of films, discussions, speeches, digital art, music, song and more. But its organisers are also looking to the public to help shape the festival and are inviting suggestions relating to what issues should be covered; creative contributions spanning film, music, documentary and performance; and pre-recorded responses to the question, ‘What impact has COVID-19 had on you and the lives of disabled people?’ Visit the Manchester Histories website for more information on how to get involved.