The alternative and community newspapers of the 1970s in the UK are amazing historical resources - documenting the groups, places and events of the time usually in unique visual and political ways - yet they are often overlooked or rarely known about today. Many have limited or almost no internet presence making them hard to access or discover. Join us to learn more!

This will be an informal workshop on the topic of 1970s print culture and urban history with a specific focus on grassroots and activist newspapers from London in that period. PhD researcher Arielle (@peoplespapers) will share an introduction to the topic based on her current Manchester-focused project with the Working Class Movement Library and share some ideas, questions and inspiration for what a similar archival effort could look like for London.

This will be followed by a collective roundtable discussion to hear directly from folks who were involved with community newspapers in the 1970s and learn more about their experiences with and reflections on the specific historical and activist context of these papers as well as their ongoing significance today.

Finally, we'll also have a chance to browse through Mayday Rooms own collection, including copies of the Islington Gutter Press, Hackney People's Paper and more!