• Silence is Golden

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Join us for live music from local artists on Saturday afternoon. This summer the Henry Watson Music Library plays host to a special guest – Yamaha’s SILENT Piano™. As part of a new collaboration between Yamaha and selected libraries across the UK, the Henry Watson Music Library hosts a SILENT Piano™ across the summer months. […]

  • Morning Music Performances

    Henry Watson Music Library

    We will be joined by two very different local artists for some short musical performances. One is a young acoustic guitar student working toward grade exams, who will give her first live performance ever. The other is an experienced composer of experimental rock/pop music, an enthusiastic live performer and a library regular: Steve Manning aka […]

  • The Declining Winter

    Henry Watson Music Library

    In association with Paper Piano, The Declining Winter will perform in the Henry Watson Music Library, preceding their November tour with epic45. The self-described “(un) popular music group based in West Yorkshire” creates ethereal, spacious arpeggiated music and unique live experiences. Yorkshire based The Declining Winter are led by Richard Adams, the co-founder of the […]

  • Paper Piano Presents: DJ Goalpost

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Anyone who has visited the Paper Piano exhibition may have wondered who or what DJ Goalpost is. To answer that, and to mark the end of the exhibition, Paper Piano will be giving away a limited edition DJ Goalpost book. The book is part exploration of what an alter-ego can be, part self-help guide and […]

  • 3 Chord Ukulele Club

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Join us for an informal ukulele lesson and singalong. Ukulele's available. Beginners welcome! Free - please book by emailing catherine.rooney@manchester.gov.uk

  • Let’s Read Music 2 – Music Theory

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Would you like to understand the structure and meaning behind a musical composition and boost your music performance? Do yo want to boost your music performance? Get to know music theory - it tells you how music works. Just bring a pencil and paper. Each session starts at 3pm: Modes - 16 Nov Inversions and […]

  • Christmas with Elvis!

    Performance Space

    Join us for a Rock 'n' Rolling Christmas Celebration with Manc Elvis and his Magical Band. Manchester’s premier Elvis tribute act present an evening packed with greatest hits and Christmas classics to get you up and dancing all night! Including... That's Alright Mama, Merry Christmas Baby, Jailhouse Rock, Santa Bring My Baby (Back to Me), […]

    £6
  • Reimagined City Workshops

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Join us for percussion and singing workshops. Part of a weekend of International Migrant Day activities, showcasing migrant culture through art and music. Suitable for all ages. Free - drop in

  • Probably the Hardest Music Quiz in the World!

    Chief Librarian's Office

    40 horribly hard music questions. Get them all right and win the Super-Duper Mega Mystery Prize! Play on your own or as part of a team (max 4 members per team). No need to book, everyone welcome. FREE ENTRY. For more info please message your quiz host: alan.lynch@manchester.gov.uk

  • LYR open the Festival of Libraries 2024

    Performance Space

    A live music performance from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage's band LYR and local Manchester artist Jospehine Oniyama, featuring a very special new single dedicated to libraries. Booking required. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in the venue, or online

  • Soundtrack to Your Life

    Chief Librarian's Office

    What would be your track? What's the story behind the tune? What would be your album and what would the sleeve notes say? Come along and let us hear your special track and tell us the story of what it means to you. Free - just drop in

  • Summer Silent Disco!

    Performance Space

    PLEASE NOTE - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN DELAYED TO A FUTURE DATE (TO BE ANNOUNCED) Forget the weather! We'll have no summertime sadness here. You'll be walking on sunshine at our special Summer Silent Disco! You've waited far too long for the return of the famous Retro Silent Disco at Central Library! It's time to […]