On 6 May, acclaimed performer, balladeer, and SSLH EC member Jennifer Reid will be performing a unique set of historic broadside ballads at the John Rylands Library, University of Manchester.

This unique event offers the chance to hear selections from the library’s broadside ballad collections brought vividly to life. Broadside ballads were short narrative verses or songs, printed on a single sheet of inexpensive paper and sold cheaply on the streets, at markets and fairs, or door-to-door. Often ephemeral and never meant to last, these pieces of street literature offer a fascinating insight into the lives, concerns, and entertainments of ordinary people.

This is a rare opportunity to experience these fragile collections as they were originally intended – performed aloud and shared.

Alongside the specially commissioned live performance from local ballad-singer Jennifer Reid, attendees will also be able to view ballad-sheets from the Street Literature Collection of the John Rylands Library. No booking required, but visitors to the library will be admitted on a first-come first-served basis.

The event begins at 3:15pm and finishes at 4:45pm.

The event is free and welcome to all.