Independence Festival Manchester - 1999

About

This photo, from 3 July 1999, shows the band Heart n’ Soul performing on stage in Albert Square during the afternoon of the Independence Festival. A British Sign Language Interpreter and audio technicians are also on the stage with the band.

The Independence Festivals were annual national events from 1997 to 2001 celebrating disabled people’s lives and culture. The first 3 were held in Manchester, followed by Birmingham in 2000 and Leeds in 2001. The festivals in Manchester were held in Albert Square and the Town Hall. They were made up of an outside daytime event with a stage for performance, market stalls for organisations and workshops, followed by an indoors evening performance.

Identifiable people

Keith Stephens walking towards the camera. Stephen Bridges to the left of centre with his back to the camera.

Description

A band are on a stage in a covered marquee. There are 13 people on stage including musicians, singers, a sign language interpreter and people working at the side of the stage, possibly on a mixing desk. A drum kit, and possibly a keyboard player are visible at the back of the stage. There are other types of drums visible.

To the left of the marquee is the American flag. The stage is lined with bunting. In front of the stage a number of the audience are visible including in the centre Keith Stephens walking towards the camera. Stephen Bridges is to the left of centre with his back to the camera.

Behind the marquee are the trees in Albert Square.