Barnbow Canaries

The true story of the 1916 factory explosion and the deaths of women workers there during WWI.

As the Great War gathers pace, Agnes and her sister Edith revel in their new-found independence and prosperity as Barnbow lasses. Not only does their danger money buy them a new life of confidence, men, work and politics but the thrill of a new future, full of fun, friendship and freedom.As the Great War gathers pace, Agnes and her sister Edith revel in their new-found independence and prosperity as Barnbow lasses. Not only does their danger money buy them a new life of confidence, men, work and politics but the thrill of a new future, full of fun, friendship and freedom. In the wake of the catastrophic 1916 explosion, the women discover the true cost of the cry for ‘More Shells!’ Alice Nutter (My Generation) brings her unique voice to this incredible story of Yorkshire grit, determination and solidarity, marking 100 years since the largest ever single loss of life in the history of Leeds.