Manchester Hill Remembered is a powerful act of remembrance that sheds light on a little-known World War I battle that profoundly affected a single Manchester district. On March 21, 1918, at Manchester Hill—a strategic area of high ground near Saint-Quentin in northern France—the regiment lost 79 men in a fierce, day-long battle. This poignant project, led by Rebecca, resurrected this hidden story through a multi-layered, contemporary tribute that brought together history, art, and community voices.

To authentically convey the personal stories of those affected, Rebecca collaborated closely with archivists to uncover letters, photographs, and detailed accounts of the offensive. She traveled to France with members of the Lancaster Regiment to visit the actual battlefield, the graves of the fallen soldiers, and the town of Saint-Quentin, grounding her work in the landscapes and memories of those who fought there. Through workshops held at Manchester Central Library, she engaged with descendants of the soldiers and local community members, working together to uncover the human side of the battle and to honour these individuals. Her research included exploring archived footage and photographs at a microscopic level, literally zooming into history to create a richly textured visual narrative of the memories.

All of this material was brought together during an intensive artist residency at the historic Chetham’s School of Music. In collaboration with The Cinematic Orchestra’s Stuart McCallum, John Ellis, and Luke Flowers, along with Liam Frost, composer Katie Chatburn, and poet Michael Symmons Roberts, Rebecca crafted a deeply moving audio-visual performance. The residency also featured Seaming To and a talented collective of Manchester musicians and poets, whose combined artistry created an immersive experience that honoured the memory of Manchester Hill.

The culmination of this collaboration was a live performance at Manchester Cathedral, where a sold-out audience gathered for Manchester Hill Remembered.

Through haunting visuals, music, and spoken word, the performance served as a reflective journey through the events of that day and the lasting impact of the battle. This contemporary act of remembrance not only honoured the fallen but also highlighted the resilience of memory, community, and the profound connection between Manchester’s past and present.