An immersive light projection show took place last week bringing the Mills in Manningham to life. The project explored the experience of those who have called this area of Bradford their home over the years.
Music and sound helped tell the story of the archive footage and photographs which were projected onto the chimnies celebrating the rich culture of the community from past mill workers to the dreams of local school children in the 20-minute show.
The Mills are Alive in Manningham was a free show that was the culmination of a year-long project led by The Brick Box capturing memories of the diverse communities that have lived and worked in Manningham.
The projections were created with The Projection Studio, and featured
artwork and stories from theatre company Mind The Gap and pupils at Lilycroft Primary and Nursery School.
Rosie Freeman, director of The Brick Box CIC, said the response had been fantastic: “People have said they’ve learnt about the fascinating history of Lister Mills, and also feel more connected to and proud of where they live.
“With this project we’ve found personal and unique stories and a true passion for heritage in the community.
“To create and share experiences like this is a profound and powerful thing.”
The projection show, which took place every evening from Thursday February 28th until Friday March 5th, told the story of those who have migrated to and grown up in Manningham, right from the industrial revolution.
It touched on political and social movements as well as the area’s past as the “beating heart” of textile industries, to the birth of Bradford Festival and Bradford Mela Festival.
Another mill in the area had a tragic fate last week as a blaze caught hold of it. Over 100 firefighters fought to tackle a huge blaze at the mill complex in Keighley that was a filming location for the popular BBC drama the Peaky Blinders.
Read More: Tragic Fire As Peaky Blinders Mill Complex In Yorkshire Goes Up In Flame
