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School of Arts, Languages and Cultures

Lemn Sissay MBE revealed as the new Patron of charity Manchester Histories

22 Nov 2017

Internationally-renowned Performance Poet, Writer and broadcaster, and Chancellor of The University of Manchester, Lemn Sissay MBE has been revealed as the newest Patron of charity Manchester Histories at an event to announce the 2018 Manchester Histories Festival.

Lemn Sissay courtesy of Drew Forsyth

Lemn joins Maxine Peake and the University’s Professor of Public History, Michael Wood as Patrons of Manchester Histories. 

Unique amongst histories festivals in the UK for working in collaborative partnerships with organisations, communities, individuals; the Greater-Manchester wide biennial festival returns for its 5th instalment from 7-11 June 2018 with the theme protest, democracy and freedom of speech, and an all new Festival format

Chancellor of The University of Manchester, Lemn Sissay was appointed artist-in-residence at the Southbank Centre, he was the official poet of the 2012 London Olympics, has worked with the British Council, is a patron of the Letterbox Club, supporting children in care, and is a fellow of the Foundling Museum. Lemn performed a specially commissioned poem “Listening Post” at the National Commemoration of the Battle of the Somme on July 1st at Heaton Park, Manchester.  In 2013 Sissay founded The Christmas Dinner for care leavers between the ages of 18-25 and with the mission that no care leaver should be alone on Christmas Day. 

Manchester Histories is a charity with the purpose of transforming lives through histories and heritage by working in collaborative partnerships with communities, individuals and organisations across Greater Manchester.  

Manchester Histories Chief Executive, Karen Shannon said: We are honoured to have Lemn on board, supporting and advocating the work of Manchester Histories. Lemn has the magic of being able to tell stories, he brings to life, gives a voice to sometimes hidden or invisible stories, something that Manchester Histories is passionate about. This is priceless, and we can’t wait to start our journey with Lemn, working together to ensure that we continue to transform people’s lives through histories and heritage. Indeed, there is only one Lemn Sissay in the world!

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