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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Library Live
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260630T170000
DTSTAMP:20260729T232013
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:20260729T232013
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:20260729T232013
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260604T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260926T170000
DTSTAMP:20260729T232013
CREATED:20260604T100004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T100004Z
UID:13829-1780560000-1790442000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Bomb 1996: Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Manchester IRA explosion
DESCRIPTION:Manchester Archives+ presents archive material\, photographs and film footage from the Archives+ collections to remember the day when time stood still for the city. This exhibition captures Manchester’s drive to recover and rebuild\, aided by the extraordinary wave of support from people\, communities and institutions across the region and the world. \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/manchester-bomb-1996-commemorating-the-30th-anniversary-of-the-manchester-ira-explosion/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/m81272-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260713T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260828T170000
DTSTAMP:20260729T232013
CREATED:20260716T080556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T122324Z
UID:14160-1783929600-1787936400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Ukraine Today Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:This documentary photography exhibition presents the work of Ukrainian photographer Olena Melnykova\, a member of the volunteer team Auto Angel Lviv\, who regularly takes part in humanitarian missions to eastern Ukraine. Travelling alongside volunteers\, she documents the lives of local people\, the work of the team\, and the everyday reality of war. These photographs are not only about destruction\, but also about responsibility\, resilience\, mutual support\, and the quiet determination of those who continue to defend Ukraine. This is not a story of the past. This is Ukraine today. \nAuto Angel Lviv is a Ukrainian charitable organisation that delivers humanitarian aid and vehicles to Ukraine’s defenders\, recovers damaged vehicles from frontline areas\, repairs them\, and returns them to service. Another key part of its work is providing frontline evacuation teams with essential equipment used in the rescue of wounded soldiers. This exhibition supports a fundraising campaign to provide trauma backpacks—essential medical kits used by frontline evacuation teams to deliver life-saving care to wounded soldiers. In addition\, Auto Angel Lviv continuously funds vehicle repairs\, replacement parts\, fuel\, and the recovery and return of repaired vehicles to the front line. Every photograph tells a real story. Every donation helps save lives. \nIf you would like to donate please use this Stripe link \nFree exhibition – just drop in
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/ukraine-today-exhibition/
LOCATION:First Floor Display Cases
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260713T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260923T170000
DTSTAMP:20260729T232013
CREATED:20260702T102905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T103039Z
UID:13984-1783929600-1790182800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:In Her Colours
DESCRIPTION:View the 2026 Women Into Visual Arts and Enterprise exhibition celebrating the creativity and talent of women artists from Nigeria and Salford\, plus the finalists from their local women’s arts competition. \nDelivered by Langworthy Cornerstone Association Ltd in partnership with Collabo2Succeed CIC\, the exhibition showcases empowering artistic journeys\, from beginner workshops to final exhibition display and artwork sales. \nFree associated community event on Monday 13 July\, 11am–2pm. \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/in-her-colours/
LOCATION:First Floor Exhibition Hall
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/High-Res-Landscape-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260713T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261231T170000
DTSTAMP:20260729T232013
CREATED:20260716T084757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T084757Z
UID:14167-1783929600-1798736400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Queer Up North 1992–2002: Celebrating Manchester's LGBTQ+ Heritage
DESCRIPTION:Explore bold and beautiful material from Queer Up North 1992–2002\, Europe’s first cross-arts LGBTQIA+ festival. Established in 1992 by Tanja Farman and Gavin Barlow as part of the original Manchester Festival\, Queer Up North quickly became a beacon for queer culture\, drawing artists and audiences from across the globe. Over its first decade\, the festival showcased groundbreaking performances and played a pivotal role in shaping Manchester’s identity as an inclusive and vibrant LGBTQIA+ city. \nIn late 2024\, Queer Up North 1992–2002: Celebrating Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ Heritage was awarded funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund\, with additional support from The Granada Foundation. This funding marked a significant milestone in preserving Manchester’s rich LGBTQIA+ heritage\, focusing on the Queer Up North festivals held between 1992 and 2002. \nAll items on display\, unless otherwise stated\, are drawn from the Queer Up North collection held at Manchester Central Library. You can also listen to a fascinating series of oral histories about the festival in our Sound & Vision pods. \nSpecial thanks to Archives+. \nPhoto credit: Pamela Sneed \nFree – drop in
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/queer-up-north-1992-2002-celebrating-manchesters-lgbtq-heritage/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/M800_8_1081-Pamela-Sneed-CREDIT-Unknown.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260716T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260829T170000
DTSTAMP:20260729T232013
CREATED:20260710T140159Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T084742Z
UID:14039-1784188800-1788022800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:New Chapters
DESCRIPTION:UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students from The Manchester College have developed a personal body of work inspired by books selected from Manchester Central Library. \nThe boards on display provide an insight into each student’s individual research\, interests and creative journey. Through exploration and experimentation\, students have investigated ideas\, conducted research\, and tested a range of materials and practical processes to develop their work. \nMany of these Foundation Art and Design students began the course with small portfolios but a great deal of passion and determination. They are now progressing to study a wide range of specialist subjects\, including painting\, drawing\, film\, photography\, textile design\, animation and site-specific practice\, at universities across the country or as emerging creative professionals. \nTo see more exciting\, innovative work and research follow on Instagram:@foundationartanddesigntmc \nIf you would like further information about the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course\, please contact: Fiona Donald –fdonald@tmc.ac.uk or  Sadie Blythin – sblythin@tmc.ac.uk \nFree- please drop in \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/new-chapters/
LOCATION:Wolfson Reading Room
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Board-2_Two-hearts-hiding-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260807T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261031T170000
DTSTAMP:20260729T232013
CREATED:20260716T140408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T140408Z
UID:14176-1786089600-1793466000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:In the ordinary\, there is always the extraordinary
DESCRIPTION:As a working-class artist and photographer\, Tricia Ashworth has always been fascinated by what society deems ordinary. The beauty\, the nuances\, humour\, strength and steeliness of everyday life in the ordinary. This exhibition of portraits\, from the north-west and beyond\, explores and celebrates the extraordinary. \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/in-the-ordinary-there-is-always-the-extraordinary/
LOCATION:Ground Floor (Oculus Area)
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/In-the-ordinary-there-is-always-the-extraordinary-exhibition.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260909T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260909T193000
DTSTAMP:20260729T232013
CREATED:20260729T172924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T174044Z
UID:14220-1788976800-1788982200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Q&A: Karen McBride: Just A Girl From North Manchester
DESCRIPTION:Join Karen McBride for a special evening where she will present ‘Just a Girl from North Manchester: A Photographic Exhibition‘; talking about the stories behind the photographs\, the making of the exhibition\, and the journey that led to ‘Just a Girl from North Manchester’. \nFor over 30 years\, Karen has documented the people\, places and music that have shaped Manchester. Her new exhibition brings together a personal collection of black-and-white photographs\, stories and memories from behind the camera. \nThe work follows on from her book\, ‘Just a Girl from North Manchester’\, and explores a lifetime spent documenting musicians\, communities and everyday moments that might otherwise have been forgotten. \nDisplayed throughout the exhibition are nine original vintage library display cabinets that were especially designed for Manchester Central Library when the building first opened. They provide the perfect setting for a journey through Manchester’s musical and cultural history. One cabinet\, however\, will house something very special that celebrates Karen’s lifelong love of traditional black-and-white photography\, craftsmanship and making things by hand—qualities that have always been part of Manchester’s industrious spirit. \nWhether you’re interested in photography\, Manchester’s music scene\, local history or simply enjoy discovering something different\, Karen McBride invites you to come along to an evening that will take you into her storied life and behind ‘Just a Girl from North Manchester: A Photographic Exhibition‘. \nKaren will be in-conversation with Nicola Howard. \nThere will also be live music from: Shimeon. \nLive @ Central Library Performance Space. 6pm-7.30pm. \nTickets – just pay-what-you-like. \nAll donations to Manchester Libraries to enable future activities.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/14220/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/KM5.jpg
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