Park Life Reform Radio

Acid House, ravers, The Smiths, and Warehouse Project. These are just some of the cultural phenomenons explored in this final episode of Park Life as we dive into the rich cultural history of the Mayfield site and its surrounding areas. Featuring uncovered audio archives and interviews with Hacienda legend DJ Paulette, music journalist Robert Graham and the Star and Garter pub manager, this episode covers everything from LGBT+ nightlife to Northern Soul. 

This episode was produced by Olivia Swift and Jamie Green. It is a Reform Radio production funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Links to projects mentioned within this episode:

Robert Graham's novel: https://lendalpress.mailchimpsites.com/the-former-boy-wonder

Josh's LGBT+ walking tours of Manchester: www.fmwt.co.uk

DJ Paulette: https://djpaulette.co.uk/

Jamie returns to the Mayfield site to uncover the history of green spaces in Manchester. They are building the first city-centre park in Manchester for over a century, but before this the Mayfield site had sat empty. It became an industrial wasteland in the early 20th century, but what had come before? Jamie speaks to experts about the invention of the weekend and how people spent their free time away from work. He also speaks to those involved in the park's development to see what this space will be in the future.

In episode 1, Jamie travels to the Mayfield site to hear all about the uncovering of the River Medlock. Part of the city centre's park development, he speaks to those involved in the process, the discoveries that have been made there, as well as finding out the importance of water on people's mental health. Park Life is produced by Reform Radio and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A three part series investigating the past, present, and future of the Mayfield site here in the centre of Manchester. Produced by Reform Radio and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.