Our drinking stories, our way: Crafting stories of alcohol consumption

Our drinking stories, our way: Crafting stories of alcohol consumption in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities

22nd October 2025 10:00-15:00, with participatory workshop at 11:00-13:00 at Manchester Poetry Library, Manchester Metropolitan University, M15 6BG.

What’s on offer?

Join us for a creative event exploring personal and community relationships with alcohol through art and storytelling.

11.00am – 13.00pm Take part in a hands-on workshop where you can use creative materials, including polymer clay to make an object that reflects your ideas about or relationship with alcohol. No experience needed, and refreshments provided. Book your place here: Our drinking stories, our way: Crafting stories of alcohol consumption Tickets, Wed, Oct 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite.

10.00am – 15.00pm Drop in to explore poetry surrounding Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and engage with an exhibition of crafts created by community members that showcase their drinking stories.

What’s it about?

Public narratives about alcohol use in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are often shaped by media stereotypes, which can misrepresent or overlook the complex social and cultural contexts in which drinking occurs. Through this event, I aim to shift this narrative by showcasing and exhibiting crafts made using polymer clay that were created by the youth, mid and older-generation in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, when I conducted my BA / Leverhulme Trust funded research (focus on youth drinking), and from my research funded by the Institute of Alcohol Studies (generational drinking stories in these communities). This engagement can: challenge stigma and stereotypes by highlighting the diversity of experiences and perspectives within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities; empower individuals and communities by validating personal stories and encouraging self-representation; support wellbeing by opening up dialogues around health, relationships, identity, and resilience in ways that are culturally sensitive and meaningful.

Open to

The general public, 18+

Of particular interest to

Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities

Event booking information

The exhibition is drop-in. If you wish to join the workshop, please book via Eventbrite below: Our drinking stories, our way: Crafting stories of alcohol consumption Tickets, Wed, Oct 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite.

Please contact Samantha.wilkinson@mmu.ac.uk with any questions.

More information on the venue

Manchester Poetry Library, Manchester Metropolitan University, Grosvenor East, Cavendish Street, Manchester, M15 6BG

Further information on how to find the library and accessibility information are included below:

Visit the Poetry Library | Manchester Metropolitan University