DEDICATED film buffs are up in arms over Oldham’s Odeon cinema not showing the premiere of a dramatic film featuring heroic townsfolk.

Peterloo tells the riveting tale of the infamous 1819 Manchester massacre which killed an estimated 18 protesters — more than half from Oldham.

Thousands of Oldhamers attended the protest and overall it was calculated up to 700 were severely injured.

The film, directed by Mike Leigh, relates a gripping narrative when government troops – including local yeomanry – charged a 60,000-strong crowd gathered in St Peter’s Field, Manchester, to demand the reform of parliamentary representation.

But so far the film has not been shown in Oldham causing upset among passionate locals.

Royton-born award winning writer and director, Nick Connor, said: “Peterloo not showing in Oldham is like ‘Kes’ never showing in Barnsley.

“Local audiences need to rally behind films like Peterloo to get more local independent films shown in the multiplex, not just the latest blockbuster.

“It’s a real shame the film isn’t currently screening here. Oldham is mentioned multiple times throughout the film with many featured characters travelling from the area.

“The film tells the story of ordinary working people from a variety of backgrounds and as a clear example of social history should be made accessible to everyone without the cost of travelling into Manchester city centre to see it.

“For a film about people who were poor and grossly underrepresented in society, it’s a shame to think the cost of a cinema ticket and transport may deter the very person this film was made for from watching it.

“For me, this inaccessibility to those outside of the centre is almost undemocratic and unintentionally elitist.”

Nick has had two two premieres at the Oldham Odeon for Northern Lights and Cotton Wool, went on: “A plethora of local talent appears in the film - Peterloo could be a fantastic spark for talking about our modern day political situation.

“It’s masterpiece and, as a filmmaker who personally tells stories about ordinary people in the North, I found it incredibly inspiring.

“I really hope Odeon who have a fantastic staff and management reconsider their decision.

“I believe local schools should be encouraging classes to see it.”

For 10 years, David McGealy of Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm has led a party of listeners to St Peters Field to mark the massacre.

He said: “I was disappointed the Odeon Oldham were unable to be part of the world premier.

“The massacre happened in Manchester but it happened to the ordinary people of all the surrounding towns — with Oldham bearing the brunt of the government’s brutal action.

“Next year, after 200 years, Manchester will be getting an appropriate monument to commemorate this dreadful event.

“But surely Oldham should consider one too — perhaps it would fit next to Annie Kenny? After all, it was all about democracy.”

Cinemagoer Sue Hodgkiss who went to the town centre Odeon said: “I was told it’s only limited release and only the bigger cinemas have got it.

“ The film is very relevant to the town. One of the front of house staff just informed me it won’t be shown in Oldham, as the cinema is too small, but is being shown at the larger cinemas.

“ The film’s trailer states 6,000 went from Oldham to join the protest wanting to improve working and living conditions. I feel this is a story that should be shared locally.”

The Oldham Times has contacted the Odeon for comment.