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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Library Live
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260901T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260901T190000
DTSTAMP:20261023T051045
CREATED:20260807T162346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T111538Z
UID:14277-1788282000-1788289200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Mahjong Music Club (MMMC)
DESCRIPTION:Manchester Mahjong Music Club (MMMC) is a new community gathering where mahjong and music bring people together. \nWhether you’re a complete beginner or have been playing for years\, everyone is welcome\, especially the aunties! \nEach session pairs casual mahjong with a curated listening experience\, introducing players to everything from classical music and timeless favourites to local artists and hidden gems. \nCome to learn\, play\, listen\, and meet new people across generations. \nFirst gathering – 1 September (the first day of ESEA Heritage Month)\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/mahjong-music-club-mmmc/
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Mahjong_music_club-2-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260903T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260903T193000
DTSTAMP:20261023T051045
CREATED:20260803T093530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T143535Z
UID:14234-1788458400-1788463800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Gig: The Last Caboose - LIVE!
DESCRIPTION:Alternative folk risers THE LAST CABOOSE will be performing live at the Henry Watson Music Library this September. \nFormed in Manchester in 2024 The Last Caboose play music with an acoustic feel\, bringing together elements of Folk\, Country\, Americana and Classic Pop. \nA line up which includes mandolin; guitar; double bass and piano\, combines with vocal harmonies to deliver original songs crammed with hooks and melodies telling tales of the everyday and the unusual; of travel and escape. \nThe first studio recordings by The Last Caboose are currently available as The Shadow Of The Wind EP on Half Edge Records on Bandcamp. Listen to “When The Wind Blows” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmOfGzNnn50 \nSupport on the night will come from Manchester’s own Cathie Pixie. Drawing comparisons to Suzanne Vega\, KT Tunstall\, and Michelle Shocked she has produced 4 albums and many singles in her career to date. Expect lyrical songs\, with plenty of hooks designed to move you in body and soul. \nSet Times\n6.00: Doors\n6.15: Cathie Pixey\n6.45: The Last Caboose\n7.30: Finish \nTickets are ‘pay what you like’ – book them via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below \nAll donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/gig-the-last-caboose-live/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260908
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260914
DTSTAMP:20261023T051045
CREATED:20250513T083322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260912T133631Z
UID:10988-1788865200-1789297199@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:VR Headset Experiences
DESCRIPTION:This September\, prepare to explore new worlds with David Attenborough\, Wallace & Gromit\, Matthew Bourne\, Vaughan Williams and more at your local library. \nFor three weeks in September\, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. \nManchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take part in Digital Spaces\, an innovative collaboration to enhance digital engagement and accessibility in libraries. This ambitious new programme is in association with Arts Council England\, BFI\, awarding National Lottery funding and The Space. \nAfter a resoundingly successful debut last summer\, which saw hundreds of Manchester residents dive into virtual realities\, Manchester Libraries are delighted to confirm that the headsets will return for a series of FREE public drop-in sessions at Manchester Central Library (8-12 Sept)\, Longsight Library (14-16)\, Gorton Hub (17-19 Sept)\, Abraham Moss (23 Sept)\,  New Moston (23 Sept)\, The Avenue (24 Sept) and Newton Heath (27 Sept). The times of the sessions can be found below. \nAcross the three weeks\, visitors to these libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds featuring some familiar faces\, plus leap into some brand new experiences too. \nAmongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings\, the experiences on offer will include: \n\nHold the World with Sir David Attenbrough: Embark on a groundbreaking interactive VR tour of the Natural History Museum in London with the most iconic of guides. Sir David\, who was filmed by more than 100 cameras and digitally recreated as a lifelike SD hologram for the experience\, acts as a private guide\, imparting his expert knowledge on rare objects from †he museum’s collection\, including a blue whale\, a stegosaurus\, and more. Get hands-on with rare specimens from its world-famous collection\, and experience priceless artefacts coming back to life.\nWallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Step into the shoes (and paws) of the legendary Aardman duo as they blast-off on a cracking new adventure that will take you from the familiar sights of West Wallaby Street to the strange surroundings of deep space. An interactive treat – all in glorious VR-O-Rama!\nThe Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.\nMonoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices and spoken word of three women\, in this poignant XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.\n**New** Doorstep Duets – An absorbing VR180 capture of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures by immersive filmmakers Neon8.\nDigital Spaces : People in Places films – short films from the local communities.\n\nThe VR headset experiences arrive as part of Manchester Libraries recently announced participation in the new Libraries Digital Network\, a groundbreaking collaboration with eight other library services\, including: Bradford\, Cambridgeshire\, Coventry\, Leeds\, Newham\, Nottinghamshire\, Somerset\, and Sunderland. This innovative network is the first of its kind\, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues\, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys.\n\nThe Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in a series of open drop-in sessions throughout September. \nCome along to a session at these dates and times as follows:\n\nTuesday 8th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [14.30-16.30]\n\nWednesday 9th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 17.00]\n\nThursday 10th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [14.30-16.30]\n\nFriday 11th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [11.00 – 13.00]\n\nSaturday 12th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [11.00 – 13.00]\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 16.30]\n\n*******\nMonday 14th Sept to Wednesday 16th Sept – Sessions @ Longsight Library \n\nSession times TBC – Standby for further details\n\n\n*******\nThursday 17th September – Session @ Gorton Hub \n\nDrop-in Session [2:00 pm to 4:00 pm]\n\n\nSaturday 19th September – Session @ Gorton Hub \n\nDrop-in Session [9:30 am to 11:30 am]\n\n*******\n \nWednesday 23rd Sept – Session @ Abraham Moss \n\nDrop-in Session [3:30 pm to 5:00pm]\n\n*******\nWednesday 23rd Sept – Session @ New Moston \n\nDrop-in Session [6:00 pm to 8:00pm]\n\n*******\n \nThursday 24th September – Session @ The Avenue\n \n\nDrop-in Session [2:00 pm to 4:00pm]\n\n******* \nSunday 27th September – Sessions @ Newton Heath Library \n\nDrop-in Session [12:00 pm to 4:00pm]\n\nAll sessions are free – 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/vr-headset-experiences-at-the-library-this-june/2026-09-08/
LOCATION:Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Family,Music,VR Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/TheGrandGetaway_KeyArt_16_9_Logos.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260909T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261231T193000
DTSTAMP:20261023T051045
CREATED:20260729T172924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T140114Z
UID:14220-1788976800-1798745400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Just a Girl from North Manchester: A Photographic Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:For over 30 years\, Karen McBride 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. \nFree – just drop in. \nPlease consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/14220/
LOCATION:First Floor Display Cases
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Karen-Mc.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260912T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260912T170000
DTSTAMP:20261023T051045
CREATED:20250513T083322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260912T133631Z
UID:14676-1789200000-1789232400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:VR Headset Experiences
DESCRIPTION:This September\, prepare to explore new worlds with David Attenborough\, Wallace & Gromit\, Matthew Bourne\, Vaughan Williams and more at your local library. \nFor three weeks in September\, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. \nManchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take part in Digital Spaces\, an innovative collaboration to enhance digital engagement and accessibility in libraries. This ambitious new programme is in association with Arts Council England\, BFI\, awarding National Lottery funding and The Space. \nAfter a resoundingly successful debut last summer\, which saw hundreds of Manchester residents dive into virtual realities\, Manchester Libraries are delighted to confirm that the headsets will return for a series of FREE public drop-in sessions at Manchester Central Library (8-12 Sept)\, Longsight Library (14-16)\, Gorton Hub (17-19 Sept)\, Abraham Moss (23 Sept)\,  New Moston (23 Sept)\, The Avenue (24 Sept) and Newton Heath (27 Sept). The times of the sessions can be found below. \nAcross the three weeks\, visitors to these libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds featuring some familiar faces\, plus leap into some brand new experiences too. \nAmongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings\, the experiences on offer will include: \n\nHold the World with Sir David Attenbrough: Embark on a groundbreaking interactive VR tour of the Natural History Museum in London with the most iconic of guides. Sir David\, who was filmed by more than 100 cameras and digitally recreated as a lifelike SD hologram for the experience\, acts as a private guide\, imparting his expert knowledge on rare objects from †he museum’s collection\, including a blue whale\, a stegosaurus\, and more. Get hands-on with rare specimens from its world-famous collection\, and experience priceless artefacts coming back to life.\nWallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Step into the shoes (and paws) of the legendary Aardman duo as they blast-off on a cracking new adventure that will take you from the familiar sights of West Wallaby Street to the strange surroundings of deep space. An interactive treat – all in glorious VR-O-Rama!\nThe Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.\nMonoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices and spoken word of three women\, in this poignant XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.\n**New** Doorstep Duets – An absorbing VR180 capture of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures by immersive filmmakers Neon8.\nDigital Spaces : People in Places films – short films from the local communities.\n\nThe VR headset experiences arrive as part of Manchester Libraries recently announced participation in the new Libraries Digital Network\, a groundbreaking collaboration with eight other library services\, including: Bradford\, Cambridgeshire\, Coventry\, Leeds\, Newham\, Nottinghamshire\, Somerset\, and Sunderland. This innovative network is the first of its kind\, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues\, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys.\n\nThe Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in a series of open drop-in sessions throughout September. \nCome along to a session at these dates and times as follows:\n\nTuesday 8th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [14.30-16.30]\n\nWednesday 9th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 17.00]\n\nThursday 10th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [14.30-16.30]\n\nFriday 11th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [11.00 – 13.00]\n\nSaturday 12th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [11.00 – 13.00]\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 16.30]\n\n*******\nMonday 14th Sept to Wednesday 16th Sept – Sessions @ Longsight Library \n\nSession times TBC – Standby for further details\n\n\n*******\nThursday 17th September – Session @ Gorton Hub \n\nDrop-in Session [2:00 pm to 4:00 pm]\n\n\nSaturday 19th September – Session @ Gorton Hub \n\nDrop-in Session [9:30 am to 11:30 am]\n\n*******\n \nWednesday 23rd Sept – Session @ Abraham Moss \n\nDrop-in Session [3:30 pm to 5:00pm]\n\n*******\nWednesday 23rd Sept – Session @ New Moston \n\nDrop-in Session [6:00 pm to 8:00pm]\n\n*******\n \nThursday 24th September – Session @ The Avenue\n \n\nDrop-in Session [2:00 pm to 4:00pm]\n\n******* \nSunday 27th September – Sessions @ Newton Heath Library \n\nDrop-in Session [12:00 pm to 4:00pm]\n\nAll sessions are free – 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/vr-headset-experiences-at-the-library-this-june/2026-09-12/
LOCATION:Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Family,Music,VR Experience
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/TheGrandGetaway_KeyArt_16_9_Logos.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260915T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260915T193000
DTSTAMP:20261023T051045
CREATED:20260708T152327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T112057Z
UID:13997-1789495200-1789500600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Music Q&A: Tony Fletcher - 'When UK Punk Went Pop 1980-84'
DESCRIPTION:This September\, the acclaimed music journalist\, industry head\, and broadcaster Tony Fletcher will be discussing his brand new book ‘When Pop Went Punk 1980-84’ with a special in-conversation event at Central Library. \nBefore authoring eleven books\, including best selling biographies of Who drummer Keith Moon\, R.E.M. and the Smiths\, Tony Fletcher was a teenaged music magazine publisher in his native England. But\, with a degree of industry that sounds absolutely exhausting\, he also ran a record label\, interviewed rock stars\, led a band\, promoted concerts\, worked as an on-air TV interviewer — and still found time for romance. \nFletcher chronicled the early days of his life and career in his previous work\, ‘Boy About Town’ (2013) but had enough extraordinary experiences left over for this new colourful and engaging memoir: ‘When Pop Went Punk 1980-84’. \n1980–’84 was an explosive time in British rock\, as the disruptive energy of bands like the Clash and Sex Pistols gave way to more sophisticated and chart-friendly genres and bands. Fletcher was on the front lines\, running a record label with the Jam’s Paul Weller\, attending all the important concerts and meeting the top acts\, many of whom became MTV regulars: Madness\, Dexy’s Midnight Runners\, Wham!\, Echo & the Bunnymen\, Killing Joke\, Adam and the Ants\, the Smiths and more. Then there’s the time he interviewed Paul McCartney… \nTony’s new book ‘When Pop Went Punk 1980-84’ is a coming-of-age story\, the tale of a naïve young man in a cultural whirlwind who learns some hard lessons about business\, journalism\, love and sex – all the while trying to get his own band a record deal. \nOpening-up about the book and his whirlwind career in music\, Tony will be chatting to Louder Than War journalist Iain Key about his extraordinary life. Appearing in-person at the Henry Watson Music Library of Central Library\, catch them in-conversation on Tuesday 15 September. \nTickets are donations based – just pay-what-you-can! Get yours via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below \nAll donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/music-qa-tony-fletcher-when-uk-punk-went-pop-1980-84/
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Pow-front-cover-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260919T123000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260919T153000
DTSTAMP:20261023T051045
CREATED:20260907T110025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T110202Z
UID:14612-1789821000-1789831800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Gig: MCR Folk Scene Showcase
DESCRIPTION:Come along for a free afternoon of folk music taking place in the Henry Watson Music library. \nBringing together established acts within the Manchester folk scene\, expect a showcase of some of its best talents including… \nJack Twaites – An introspective singer-songwriter influenced by Folk music across the spectrum\, his single ‘In the Folds’ was featured on BBC Radio Leeds Introducing’s last show of 2025. \nAlex Gregory – Alt Folk singer-songwriter known for her thoughtful lyrics and open guitar tunings which evoke Nick Drake and Laura Marling in equal measures. \nCharlie Pink – Stalwart of Manchester’s open mic scene\, Charlie’s songs have a depth of honesty to them. Accompanied by Dr Fabola on guitar! \nThe event is free to attend and there will be an option to donate to the artists\, with all money being split equally. \nBook your free ticket below\, or via the Eventbrite ticket link here. 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/gig-mcr-folk-scene-showcase/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1000025303.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260926T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260926T150000
DTSTAMP:20261023T051045
CREATED:20260901T135839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260908T121927Z
UID:14500-1790427600-1790434800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Saturday Afternoon Fever!
DESCRIPTION:We’re celebrating ‘Older Peoples Day’ with a special Saturday afternoon singalong with the brilliant Dee Dee Allen! \nWe’re inviting local community groups for over 55’s to get your dancing shoes on for an afternoon full of classic tracks from the 70’s to the 90’s! \nPlaces are free but limited so please phone Central Library on 0161 234 1932 to book a table for your group. Hot drinks and cake will also be served during the afternoon. Our Central Library cafe will also be open offering a range of sandwiches and hot meals to purchase.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/saturday-afternoon-fever/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Saturday-afternoon-fever-banner.jpg
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