Irish Dancing Session
2026-03-14 12:30 - 13:30 UTC | Henry Watson Music Library
In celebration of St Patrick’s Day 2026, Central Library will be hosting a special Irish dancing display and interactive teaching experience in its Henry Watson Music Library on the First Floor.

Teaming up with the highly acclaimed The Ward-Mallinson School of Irish dancing, the school will be sending two of their finest dancers who have both been pupils in the School since they were 5 years old. Olivia, 28, and Grace, 19, are both dancers who are multiple regional title holders and British National Champions. Olivia has also won a Great Britain title. They are world medal holders and recognised as amongst the elite dancers in their respective age groups.
The Ward-Mallinson School of Irish dancing was launched in 1995 by Justine Ward-Mallinson. Having started Irish dancing at the age of 8 at the St Chads School of Irish dancing and led a prestigious career, she has since found great success with her own school, with classes held at the Irish World Heritage centre. Over the past 30 years, the school has boasted dancers who have achieved podium placements at World and All Ireland Championships, plus title winners at Great Britain, British Nationals and American National Championships.

Inviting library users to get into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day with this truly special event, audiences will be able to watch masters at work, with opportunities to join in too.

Suitable for all ages.
All donations will go to Manchester Libraries.
Tickets are ‘pay-what-you can’ and on sale now here or by clicking ‘Book Now’ below. 1 ticket per customer

St Patrick’s Ceili Band Experience with Mouse's Nest
2026-03-14 14:30 - 16:30
It wouldn’t be St Patrick’s Day without a ceili would it?
So, on the weekend before the world goes green for Ireland’s patron saint, Central Library is hosting a special ceili band and dancing experience in the Henry Watson Music Library.
Come down on Saturday 14 March, where local legends, Mouses Nest, will perform live in the afternoon to get your St Patrick’s Day weekend swinging.
Hailing from the Northwest, the Mouse’s Nest have put on storming performances across the UK for over 15 years, playing weddings, parties, fundraisers, functions, dance workshops and festivals. Performing in the Henry Watson Music Library for the first time, the band will be playing an exciting mixture of Celtic tunes, carefully chosen for audiences to listen and dance to as they like.
Alongside their accomplished guitarist and fiddle player, the band will bring an expert ‘caller’ for those who might like to get in-step with some traditional Celtic ceili dancing on the day. The caller will walk each dance through before the music starts and will keep calling to make sure everyone dancing knows exactly what to do.
A perfect Celtic experience for families to join in the fun this St Patrick’s Day, catch the Mouse’s Nest on Saturday 14 March from 2.30pm.
Suitable for all ages
All donations will go to Manchester Libraries.
While you’re here…we have a broad selection of books on music which are free to borrow if you have a library card. You can browse our music collection online here or in the Henry Watson Music Library at this event, and find out how to join the library free here or on the day (just bring along some ID with your home address on to complete sign up and pick up your new library card).
Tickets for the show are ‘pay-what-you-can’. To book, click on the eventbrite event link here or click the ‘Book Now’ button below.
