A chorus of ordinary locals assemble in front of a newly erected gate across common land. A gang of gamekeepers protect it, holding aloft signs, “No Trespassers”, “Keep Out” “Private Property”. The year is 1986, the month is September, and battle is about to commence, The Battle of Winter Hill. A battle between rich and poor, boss and worker, landlord and tenant, between those who own the countryside and those who walk it.

This play was written to celebrate the centenary of the 1896 battle for Winter Hill, a key confrontation in the story of land rights in England, in which 20,000 working class Boltonians marched across Winter Hill to demand their right to roam across common land.

Will Yo’ Come O’ Sunday Mornin’ was originally commissioned by the Octagon Youth Theatre in 1996 and was revived by the members of Artbeat, the Octagon’s performing company for over 50’s, with the original songs and additional, authentic folk underscore. It was performed in the Octagon Studio.