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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Library Live
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251126T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20251127T153720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T135307Z
UID:12209-1764144000-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Great Hall Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Manchester Town Hall closed in January 2018 and work then began on a labour of love: a once-in-a-lifetime chance to repair\, protect and update this architectural masterpiece for future generations. The Great Hall is the Town Hall’s centrepiece. It includes a huge variety of conservation and restoration projects and is a great example of the work we’re doing throughout the building. Our approach to the unique elements of this  space reflects the level of care needed for the whole project. This exhibition looks at just three details of the Great Hall to tell some of the story of the Our Town Hall project. \n\n\nFree – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/the-great-hall-exhibition/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-250430-MCC-DSC_0166-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260212T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20260129T083202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T083306Z
UID:12703-1770883200-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Shakespeare and Manchester: A Victorian Powerhouse Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:For the first time\, this exhibition tells the story of how seven personalities transformed Manchester into a global centre of Shakespearean theatre in the Victorian era and reveals present day evidence of the city’s innovative engagement with the works of Shakespeare. \nFree – please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/shakespeare-and-manchester-a-victorian-powerhouse-exhibition/
LOCATION:First Floor Display Cases
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Landscape-Image-for-Shakespeare-Exhibition-2026-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260301T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20260224T141955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T143044Z
UID:12936-1772352000-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Building China: People’s Infrastructure
DESCRIPTION:“Building China: People’s Infrastructure” invites audiences to encounter China from the kitchen table and the street corner rather than the skyline. Bringing together photographs and prints from the 1950s to the 1980s with field images from the early 2000s and contemporary works\, the exhibition traces urban change through the ordinary spaces where life unfolds. \nAcross work unit housing\, factory yards\, courtyards\, pavements\, parks and markets\, the exhibition foregrounds infrastructure as lived experience. Socialist era photographs reveal campaigns that sought to educate as they built\, capturing moments of collective labour and care. Reform era scenes register development in motion\, with unfinished structures and provisional arrangements shaping everyday routines. Contemporary contributions attend to elevated roads\, pavements and public spaces as shared infrastructures\, animated through drawing\, film and photography that remain attentive to movement and sound. \n“Building China: People’s Infrastructure” offers a portrait of continuous infrastructuring\, understood as the ongoing adaptation of spaces\, rules and materials to meet everyday needs. By bringing the intimacy of routine practices into focus\, the exhibition reframes one of the world’s most discussed urban transformations through the ordinary scenes that sustain it. \nThis exhibition is supported by The Confucius Institute at The University of Manchester. CI is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 and this exhibition forms part of our celebrations. Exhibition launch details will be announced shortly. \nLead curator: Prof Deljana Iossifova (Architecture & Urban Studies)\, University of Manchester \nWith contributions from Deljana Iossifova\, Xin Li\, Qiwei Peng\, Ziqiu Ren\, Rujin Wang and photographs by the late David Lea. \nMore information: Building China: People’s Infrastructure | Events at The University of Manchester \nFree – please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/building-china-peoples-infrastructure/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor Link
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2024-08-18-16.09.31-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260302T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20260303T144435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T144435Z
UID:13035-1772438400-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Heritage Meets Heritage - Echoes of Sahyadri
DESCRIPTION:Exhibition featuring 12 UNESCO Heritage Forts. \nOrganised by Leena Desshmukh\, Founder of Sahyadri CIC UK\, in collaboration with Sahyadri Pratishtan India. \nThis exhibition honours the extraordinary hill forts of the Sahyadri mountain range\, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding universal value. These formidable structures stand as enduring symbols of architectural innovation\, strategic brilliance and cultural legacy. \nCarved into rugged landscapes and rising majestically above valleys and coastlines\, the forts represent centuries of vision\, resilience and statecraft. Their sophisticated defence systems\, water management engineering and harmonious integration with natural terrain reflect a remarkable synthesis of art\, science and military intelligence. \nThrough meticulously crafted fort models\, curated historical narratives and immersive visual presentation\, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with this monumental chapter of global heritage. Visitors are invited to experience the spirit\, strength and enduring legacy of the Sahyadri forts in an educational and culturally enriching environment. \nFree – please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/heritage-meets-heritage-echoes-of-sahyadri/
LOCATION:First Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_1576.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260529T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20260202T150315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T104352Z
UID:12734-1773043200-1780074000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Long Road South to find True North
DESCRIPTION:Take a poetry journey from loss to hope\, from home to infinity\, to find your own personal True North.  \n80 people from Cornerstone Day Centre in Hulme\, many affected by homelessness and other issues\, have made poetic paths for all to follow\, opening eyes to a wider world. \nThese restless poems leap from the page into 3-dimensions. Intriguing\, bright and curious poetic paper sculptures\, filled with intense life experience. Navigation tools for the journey – “wish frogs”\, folded globes\, infinity poems. And songs for the journey… \nEchoing the footsteps of the footloose Japanese haiku poet Basho\, our word-magicians lead us onward to help each of us find our own inner Northstar. \nThis year-long project at Caritas Cornerstone Day Centre was co-created by the makers with poet Philip Davenport\, artists Christine Johnson and Darren Marsh. \nFunded by Arts Council England \nFree please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/the-long-road-south-to-find-true-north/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/North-Star.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260630T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20260210T141859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T135412Z
UID:12821-1773043200-1782838800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Exiles and Descendants
DESCRIPTION:This exhibition from Polonia Northern England uncovers the remarkable history of a Polish community (Polonia) deported and displaced during WWII. Through photographs\, letters\, and personal documents\, it showcases experiences of forced deportation\, war crimes\, refuge\, and significant contributions to Britain’s freedom. The exhibition also explores post-war resettlement in exile in Northern England and community efforts to maintain cultural identity whilst Poland was under communist rule. PNE safeguards and shares this history to strengthen collective memory and fill the gaps in historical records. \nFree – please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/exiles-and-descendants/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PNE-Banner-Jan-2026-01-1-cropped-for-LL-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260408T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260430T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20260227T142747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T142919Z
UID:12991-1775635200-1777568400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Voices of the City
DESCRIPTION:Voices of the City exhibition is a powerful and welcoming photography exhibition of a creative project which celebrated identity\, belonging and community. \nCreated by Community Arts North West\, the project brought together a group of diverse young people and adults to tell their stories by working with drama facilitator and physical theatre director\, Julia Wilson of SmallActs theatre company\, to explore character\, costume and movement. Their journey was captured in striking photographs by Shirlaine Forrest (whose work includes photographing Taylor Swift\, Stormzy and Billie Eilish). \nExperience powerful photos\, discover real stories\, and enjoy the chance to see the city (and its young people) in a new way. The result is a unique\, multi-generational exhibition full of energy\, imagination and real voices from our city. You might recognise a face or even a bit of yourself. \nFree – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online \n============================= \nPlus\, free launch event. Drop in to the Oculus Space on the ground floor on Wednesday 8 April\, 1-3.30pm\, for an informal launch with live music. \nStay for a relaxed Q&A (2 -3.30pm) in the Henry Watson Music Library on the first floor with young people\, creative producer Michelle Udogu\, and photographer Shirlaine Forrest. \nVoices of the City is funded by BBC Children in Need and The Granada Foundation. \nPhotograph: Shirlaine Forrest
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/voices-of-the-city/
LOCATION:Ground Floor (Oculus Area)
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CITY-COUNCIL-PHOTO-IMG-20260206-WA0001-ll-crop-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260415T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260926T170000
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20260428T082933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T065250Z
UID:13536-1776240000-1790442000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Cultural Masterplanning - How Manchester changed the way we make cities
DESCRIPTION:A major new exhibition at Manchester Central Library explores the process of Cultural Masterplanning and how creative interventions in urban spaces undergoing redevelopment can reconnect fragmented places with their past and allow us to look to a dynamic shared future. These playful interactions change how transformation feels and help us involved and  that change is happening with us\, not to us. \nShowcased across the Exhibition Hall and Wolfson Reading Room at Central Library from April to September 2026 are glimpses of buried histories of lives and industry which sparked curiosity and conversation about places in transition such as Ancoats\, Central Library itself and Mayfield Depot\, as well as examples from Glasgow and London. \nCitizen Manchester takes a deep dive into the extraordinary transformation of Central Library and Town Hall Extension\, Manchester’s historic twin treasures whose restoration began in 2014 and continues to lead the city’s rebirth as a global icon blending heritage and innovation. Citizen Manchester records and celebrates the creation of the first ever Modern City. From April to August 2026 Central Library’s Exhibition Hall and First Floor corridors of Central Library will feature photographs and artefacts from the transformation\, allowing viewers a close-up look at the rich patina and textures captured within the walls of these beloved spaces. \nThe Lost World of Mayfield has returned to the First Floor Reading Room of Central Library\, showcasing archival treasures from Mayfield\, the area now transformed by a thriving green space including a brand-new public park and the transformed Mayfield Depot. This area behind Manchester’s Piccadilly Station was formerly a wasteland whose industrial heritage was largely forgotten so much that few locals knew its original name.  Currently on show are artefacts and images from the Mayfield Pattern Book\, Graham’s Dye Recipe Book and the Mayfield Grit Walk story cards which uncover the history of Thomas Hoyle and Sons Calico Printing Works and the dwellings and bathhouse which served the residents and workers following its demise. \nThe Cultural Masterplanning exhibition has been curated by Sam Hallas and produced by Dan Dubowitz of FLEX Manchester School of Architecture in collaboration with Manchester City Council\, Archives+\, and Manchester Art Gallery. It can be viewed in the Exhibition Hall at Central Library until the end of June 2026 and continues on the First Floor and Reading Room with Citizen Manchester\, Grit Walks and the Lost World of Mayfield on display until the end of September 2026. \nFree – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/cultural-masterplanning-how-manchester-changed-the-way-we-make-cities/
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1000027525.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260416T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260416T160000
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20260327T101817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T101817Z
UID:13282-1776348000-1776355200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:STEM Club
DESCRIPTION:Put your lab coat and goggles on and join us for an interactive session that will get you excited about science!  Expect spectacular hands-on experiments and lots of fun! Suitable for ages 6-11. \nFree – just drop in. \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/stem-club/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/STEM-Club-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260416T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260416T194500
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20260410T073305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T080104Z
UID:13355-1776358800-1776368700@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:嘢嘢YardYard: DJ workshop & live show
DESCRIPTION:YardYard will be launching their event series “Pendulum世界术” with a debut programme at Henry Watson Music Library of Central Library. \n\n\nKicking off the series will be a special interactive DJ workshop\, experimental live set\, and high energy DJ set. \nIn their first event outside of London in the UK\, the rising creative arts collective will be connecting with the Manchester music scene for the first time. \nFeaturing a free drop-in DJ deck session for all adventurous and curious ears\, you are invited to tune into the generous in-house heritage 808 DJ deck\, with two open-ear Chinese DJs. A multilingual workshop\, this innovative session will offer support for rising DJs of all abilities in both English and Chinese. \nAfter the workshop\, three talents will be sharing a snapshot of their current sonic world and artistic direction with two live acts. These will include an experimental live set from Yewen Jin and YUNA阿尘\, plus an audio-visual DJ set from tongktongktong. \nThe “Pendulum世界术” series is dedicated to events that allow creatives from all around the world to share their gestalt-free singularisation and the trace in their pursuit. \nSET TIMES\n17:00-18:00 – DJ Workshop Drop In\n18:10-18:50 – Yewen Jin and YUNA阿尘\n19:00-19:40 – tongktongktong. \nBook tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’.  \nAll donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/%e5%98%a2%e5%98%a2yardyard-dj-workshop-live-show/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/evb-banner1-2160-1080.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260416T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260416T190000
DTSTAMP:20260522T230139
CREATED:20260303T150555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T144407Z
UID:13051-1776362400-1776366000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:People as Infrastructure: The Architectural Wisdom of Informality
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Manchester Confucius Institute’s first public talk of the year\, launching our anniversary exhibition\, Building China: People’s Infrastructure. \nExplore the spontaneous and ingenious adaptations found in China’s urban marketplaces\, where everyday materials become functional art. This talk delves into the world of informal architectural practices that thrive without formal design processes\, reflecting a bottom-up creativity that challenges our conventional views on sustainability and technology in building. We’ll discuss how these grassroots innovations might teach us new ways to think about architecture and urban infrastructure. \nAfter the talk\, there will be an opportunity to visit the Manchester Confucius Institute’s 20th anniversary exhibition\, Building China: People’s Infrastructure\, on the Lower Ground Floor of the Central Library (exhibited from 1 March until 30 May 2026). \nFree – booking required via Eventbrite here or via the ‘Book Now’ button below \n==================================== \nAbout the speaker: \nZiqiu Ren is a spatial filmmaker and architectural researcher. Her research is established at the intersection of urban studies\, ethnographic theories\, and creative media. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Architecture at the University of Manchester\, working on Chinese food marketplaces\, supported by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). She is an associated researcher at the Urban Studies Lab.  \nhe Manchester Confucius Institute Public Talk Series \nManchester Confucius Institute public talks are free\, informal and informative lectures aimed at anyone with an interest in Chinese culture and language. \nFind out more about the Manchester Confucius Institute
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/people-as-infrastructure-the-architectural-wisdom-of-informalit/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/people-as-infrastructure-architectural-wisdom-of-informality.jpg
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