Peat on Earth: poetry/film exhibition in Manchester

You don't have to register for the exhibition, but it will help us gauge numbers and we can send you a reminder nearer the time.

Peatland habitats get a bad rap.

We think of them as wastelands. We talk about being "swamped" or "bogged down". But peat bogs are vital, biodiverse landscapes. Far from being lifeless or stagnant, they are beautiful, rich in ecological value, and crucial for carbon storage in the fight against climate change.

For one weekend in September, come and see ten spoken word films by British and Malaysian poets and filmmakers, that reframe what we think of when we think of peatlands. We invite you to watch the short films, read the poems, and respond by sharing your reflections if you wish. We hope you will come away feeling inspired, challenged and enlightened. We hope you will rush to visit gorgeous sites like Cumbria Wildlife Trust's Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve, which was the location and inspiration for five of the poems.

Supported by the British Council through their Connections Through Culture programme, Peat on Earth is a creative collaboration between poets Matt Sowerby (UK) and Kimchi Lai (Malaysia) and filmmakers Ben Horrigan (Studio 91 Media) and Leong Hon Yuen (Factual TV). Together, they explore the significance of peatlands through poetry and film, encouraging younger generations to engage with environmental and cultural preservation.

Where to see the films

📅 Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September 2025
⏰ 10am – 4pm
📍 Manchester Museum
🎟️ FREE

The exhibition is on the Top Floor, a hub for environmental action and social justice that's not normally open to the public. Ask the museum staff if you need help finding where to go. Like the rest of the museum, Peat on Earth is free of charge and accessible.

More info

Watch the trailer: vimeo.com/studio91media/peatonearth

Find out more at factualtv.asia/peatonearth