Exhibition | 2026 Banner Exhibition

The selection of banners curated for 2026, have either been part of historic marches and rallies in the past or highlight a diversity of people coming together to support each other – including showing solidarity at times of international crises.

Alongside the oldest trade union banner in the world (dating back to 1821) on Gallery One, you will also find examples given as gifts, sent to those fighting on the front line, or used at events and fundraisers as recent as 2025.

An internationally significant museum collection, these banners are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when ordinary people stand together for ideas worth fighting for.

On Gallery Two visitors can peek behind the scenes into The Conservation Studio, where our expert team of specialists care for and conserve the museum’s collection, as well as commissions for other museums, communities, and individuals.

A range of accessible formats have been created to enable visitors to engage with the exhibition in different ways;

• Here on the website (below) are links to Large Print guides for the exhibition, along with BSL interpreted and audio narrated versions of interpretation.
• When visiting the exhibition in person you can access BSL interpreted and audio narrated versions of interpretation via QR codes on each banner label.  Printed copies of Large Print and braille transcriptions are also available.  You will also find magnifying glasses, colour overlays, ear defenders, and sensory bags.

Although there are a range of accessible formats available, we understand everyone’s access needs are different.  If you want to discuss your access needs with a member of the museum team, you can contact us on access@phm.org.uk or by phoning on 0161 838 9190.