Space-themed day of fun
2026-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 UTC
Calling all future star explorers to St Peter’s Square this Spring!
As the city keenly awaits the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester this May, Central Library is delighted to confirm some special intergalactic events for all the family.
On Saturday 9 May, brace yourself for an afternoon of space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, and more!
Clustered around the Performance Space on the ground floor of Central Library, all of these stellar events within the library will be completely FREE to attend.
You can see the full itinerary below – just drop in….
Saturday 9 May, Performance Space, 1-4pm, FREE Activity Plan:

1-4pm Performance Space 2+3: Kids disco with space-themed competitions and crafts including moon rock races, space hoppers race, hoola hoop challenge, build-an-alien craft
1-2pm Performance Space 1: Science session delivered by Love Science
2-3pm Performance Space 1: Space-themed storytime session delivered by Tessa Singh, author of Little Bob saves the world

*****
Planetarium Go! Manchester is an immersive pop-up planetarium experience that invites audiences of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe in a truly unique way. Inside a large spherical dome, visitors are surrounded by a 360º screen that transforms astronomy and science films into an unforgettable journey through space.
Popping-up in St Peter’s Square, Manchester (just outside the Central Library) between 1-23 May, tickets for all planetarium experiences can be purchased in advance here: Planetarium Go Manchester
******
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Space-themed Day of Family Film Fun
2026-05-16 13:00 - 16:00
Calling all future star explorers to St Peter’s Square this Spring!
As the city keenly awaits the arrival of Planetarium Go! in Manchester this May, Central Library is delighted to confirm some special intergalactic events for all the family.
On Saturday 9 May, brace yourself for an afternoon of space hopping, wacky experiments, moon walking, moon rock races, and more!
Whereas those jetting into the library the following weekend, Saturday 16 May, can expect a special space-age edition of Central Library’s legendary Family Film Club, plus an afternoon of themed out-of-this-world activities.
Clustered around the Performance Space on the ground floor of Central Library, all of these stellar events within the library will be completely FREE to attend.
You can see the full itinerary below – just drop in….
Saturday 16 May, Performance Space 1-4pm, FREE Activity Plan:

1:30pm: Space-themed film screening starts
1-4pm: Crafts

*****
Planetarium Go! Manchester is an immersive pop-up planetarium experience that invites audiences of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe in a truly unique way. Inside a large spherical dome, visitors are surrounded by a 360º screen that transforms astronomy and science films into an unforgettable journey through space.
Popping-up in St Peter’s Square, Manchester (just outside the Central Library) between 1-23 May, tickets for all planetarium experiences can be purchased in advance here: Planetarium Go Manchester
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

The Puppet Folk Experience!
2026-08-20 19:00 - 20:00
The Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and beautifully crafted puppetry.

Manchester Libraries are so excited to welcome the wonderful Puppet Folk Experience to Central Library this August. It’s going to be the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational show!!
The Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and beautifully crafted puppetry.
Musician Andy and puppeteer Liam bring songs, characters, and playful storytelling together in a performance full of humour, nostalgia, and warmth. Featuring lively banjo-led music and an ensemble of expressive puppet characters, the show celebrates the charm of classic puppetry and musical storytelling.
The Puppet Folk Experience delights audiences young and old with a performance that is heartfelt, imaginative, and full of fun.
Doors opem 6.30pm
Performance starts 7pm
Cafe and bar will be open all evening.
Tickets are only £5 plus booking fee. There is also a buy 4 tickets for the price of 3 offer!
