Full Volume Podcast: Christmas Edition

Step into Christmas with Manchester Libraries for the final Full Volume podcast of 2025.

Back for one last hurrah before the year is out, presenter Alan Lynch and co-host Gary Parkinson have a nostalgic look back at what was a magical year for Manchester Libraries. Reflecting on the successful launch of the podcast and the litany of special guests who appeared on the show, Gary and Alan also chat to a whole host of staff from across our libraries to get their highlights. Elsewhere Danny Middleton gives us a sneak peak of events coming up in the New Year, whereas Head of Libraries, Galleries, and Culture Neil MacInnes gives us his exclusive insight.

Meanwhile, ascending folk artist Hannah Brine gets a grilling on her favourite Christmas songs following her recent concert at the Library. Plus, we have nostalgic reflections from three Central Library staff who worked in the building during the 1970s and beyond.

There’s also plenty of What’s On Tips, a book review of Christmas classic “A Christmas Carol”, and much more to enjoy on this December edition of Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast. ***** ‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast’ takes listeners behind the shelves of our city’s much-loved libraries. Presented by the Central Library’s own Alan Lynch, every month the podcast lifts the lid on a treasure trove of insider tips, exclusive interviews, book reviews, and much more. Receiving rave reviews and overwhelming support from listeners, the podcast has so far featured special guests such as celebrated authors and poets Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Kate Mosse, Jackie Kay, Tynah Matembe, and Kimberly Whittam, Manchester City Council photographer Barrie Leach speaking about his exhibition ‘Our Town Hall: Portraits of a Workforce’, folk musician Cole Stacey, legendary Manchester artist and illustrator Stanley Chow, Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Councillor John Hacking, BBC broadcaster and esteemed newspaper columnist Emma Barnett, International Women’s Rugby player Libby Andrew, plus Manchester City Council’s Head of Libraries, Galleries, and Culture Neil MacInnes OBE more. ‘Episode 11: Christmas Edition’, the new episode of ‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is on all major streaming services now.

Turn it up, and tune in – now: Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast by Manchester Libraries | Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music | PUSH.fm

Watch out for a new episode in the new year…