2026 Events

2026 marks the 200th Anniversary of the 1826 Lancashire weavers’ uprisings and Chatterton massacre. 

The rising was ostensibly an anti-starvation protest involving many thousands of local people. The focus of the protests was the destruction of recently introduced power looms. Led by local ‘captains’ the protests were focused and largely peaceful and aimed to send a symbolic message to those in authority about their desperate poverty. On the third day of the rising at least six people were shot dead by soldiers at Chatterton.

The bicentennial commemorations are being organised and led by the Weavers Uprising Bicentennial Committee [WUBC] a registered charity formed in 2022.

The charity has worked closely with local heritage groups, Lancashire County Council, The Open University and several local museums, to transform understandings and raise public awareness of the 1826 weavers uprising through educational materials, commissioned art and performances, and regional commemorative activities.

The Bicentennial events are supported by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the project ‘Remembering and Commemorating the April 1826 Lancashire Weavers Uprising’. The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities to their local and national heritage. Thanks to the National Lottery players we have been able to organise over 50 commemorative events, talks, walks and other activities.