Meet 'The Pankettes', the women's choir based at the former home of Emmeline Pankhurst. Now known as The Pankhurst Centre this modest Georgian property on Nelson Street in Manchester was the home of the world famous leader of the Suffragette Movement, whose militant protests were instrumental in the introduction of voting rights for women during the Edwardian era. Emmeline and her daughter Christabel together formed the Women's Social and Political Union in 1903. Nowadays, The Pankhurst Centre is a women-only space of learning, relaxing and socialising for women from all over Manchester. A museum in the centre displays the work and struggle of women suffragettes, as well as reflecting everyday domestic life in the Pankhurst parlour.
On Sunday 3 March 'The Pankettes' gave audiences a free, informal performance within the Great Hall at The Royal Exchange and we were there to enjoy their lovely voices as part of the Wonder Women: Radical Manchester season.
The Pankhurst Centre is open Monday to Thursday 10-4, closed Friday to Sunday and well worth a visit. What better time to drop in than during the Wonder Women: Radical Manchester season (only women though of course!)
