Resisting Thatcherism in 1980s Sheffield

On Saturday 21st October, Sheffield Transformed is hosting a workshop that will explore how left-wing activists and politicians in 1980s Sheffield attempted to resist the dominance of Thatcherism and implement their own political ideas.

During the 1980s, the term ‘Socialist Republic of South Yorkshire’ was coined to describe the region’s left-wing political culture. With contributions from historians and local campaigners, this workshop will examine the left-wing, trade union, feminist, and anti-racist activism that made up the Socialist Republic.

Through presentations and group discussion, we’ll examine the extent to which there was a concerted and successful attempt to build a left-wing alternative to Thatcherite ideology in Sheffield. We’ll discuss what we can learn from this pivotal period in political history and how we can apply it to our present situation.

A full programme for the day is available here, which includes some suggested further reading and resources. As well as the scheduled sessions, there will also be an exhibition of local political memorabilia and photographs from the 1980s that people can view during the breaks and at the end of the event.

Tickets are free but, as Sheffield Transformed has no regular source of funding, any donations will help us to host future events.

Thank you to GMB, NEU, the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign, Sheffield Trades Council, UCU and Unite for generously supporting this event.

Guest speakers

• Sheena Clarke – local councillor from period
• Damon Fairclough – writer and photographer
• Kate Flannery – local activist
• Sarah Kenny – historian
• Daisy Payling – historian
• Anandi Ramamurthy – academic
• Emma Rattenbury – local activist