Join us for a special performance featuring Macdara Yeates and Jennifer Reid trading ballads and broadsides on related topics to illustrate the shared cultures of Dublin and Manchester and the song traditions that would have been active in the two cities in the industrial revolution. Macdara Yeates is an Irish folk singer. Born and raised […]
Cole Stacey performs his debut album live in the magnificent Manchester Central Library, part of a series of 5 concerts in truly remarkable places. Immerse yourself in this remarkable space in the heart of Manchester, for one of five unique concerts with Cole Stacey as he presents his critically acclaimed debut album Postcards From Lost […]
Ho Ho Ho! Come and join the New Horizons Choir for some Christmassy songs, a mince pie and some festive cheer. The choir will be singing in the Henry Watson Music Library on 17 December at 5.15 pm. All welcome to be serenaded by the singers and to join in with all your favourite Christmas tunes. […]
For three weeks in February, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. Get ready for brand new immersive experiences with David Attenborough, and Laika – The First Dog In Space. Plus, Wallace & Gromit, The Berlin Blitz, Vaughan Williams’ ‘The Lark Ascending’, meditation experiences, and more. Manchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to […]
'Solid Bond In Your Heart: A People’s History of The Jam' is a new book by acclaimed author and journalist Malcolm Wyatt. Published in 2025 by Manchester-based Spenwood Books, it tells the tale of one the most iconic and inspirational bands of all time: The Jam. Exploding on to the British music scene with their […]
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Didsbury Singers will be appearing at the Henry Watson Music Library for a celebration of choral music. Didsbury Singers are a local, aspirational upper voices choir from South Manchester. Conducted by the award winning Hannah Brine and with musical accompaniment by Isaac Horton, the group will be honouring International […]
The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College. As one of the city’s most respected music institutions, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop […]
Chris Connelly is coming to Manchester Central Library to discuss his exceptional new book, 'Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985'. The Cargo Studios book is a history of the music recorded at the Rochdale studio. The studio opened in late 1977 and closed in early 1985. It's where the seminal ‘Atmosphere’ by Joy Division was recorded, as […]
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 […]
Acclaimed Polish pianist, Daria Chromik, will be appearing at the Henry Watson Music Library for a special lunchtime performance. Presenting ‘Between Note and Emotion – Piano Recital’, the concert will offer a unique opportunity for audiences to hear the artist perform in this intimate setting for the first time. Daria Chomik is a pianist with […]
YardYard will be launching their event series “Pendulum世界术” with a debut programme at Henry Watson Music Library of Central Library. Kicking off the series will be a special interactive DJ workshop, experimental live set, and high energy DJ set. In their first event outside of London in the UK, the rising creative arts collective will be […]
One of the hottest emerging talents in the North West, The Fleecers, will be performing live in the Henry Watson Music Library this Spring. A group of prodigiously talented music students aged 14-17, The Fleecers formed in Cheadle Hulme in 2025. In their short time together, the rising indie-rock four-piece have since been making ripples […]
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
