Library Live

Music Q&A: Tony Fletcher - 'When UK Punk Went Pop 1980-84'
2026-09-15 18:00 - 19:30 UTC
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.
Before 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.
Fletcher 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’.
1980–’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…
Tony’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.
Opening-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.
Tickets are donations based – just pay-what-you-can! Get yours via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Vinyl DJ Workshop (Cultural Welcome Week)
2026-10-06 18:00 - 19:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Come down to the Henry Watson Music Library for this relaxed, beginner‑friendly Vinyl DJ workshop – part of the Cultural Welcome Week at Central Library.

Led by vinyl DJ and host Maimuna (DJ MuMu), this session is all about connection, creativity, and enjoying music together in a friendly, social setting. You’ll learn the basics of cueing, blending, and getting comfortable with turntables — using professional decks and a mixer provided on site.

Whether you’ve never touched a turntable before or you’re curious to explore the tactile side of music, this workshop is open to complete beginners and returning vinyl lovers alike. No experience needed — just bring your enthusiasm and a record or two you love.

Expect a calm, supportive atmosphere where you can listen, learn, and share music with others who appreciate the analogue sound.

Turntables and mixer provided – just bring your records.

Instagram: @dj_mumu_45

Tickets are pay-what-you-can – available on Eventbrite or by clicking ‘Book Now’ below.

All donations to Manchester Libraries.

2hr Music Production Workshop at Central Library
2026-10-08 17:30 - 19:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us for a hands-on music production and DJ workshop at Central Library this October. Part of our Cultural Welcome Week programme.
Welcome back your host and tutor Niah Jemijog for a 2 hour session designed to be an accessible, creative, and engaging tutorial for all experience levels.
This small group session will cover the fundamentals of beat making, mixing, and live looping/DJ performance, using industry-standard tools like Ableton Live, MIDI Controllers and live instruments.
The workshop will take a multi-genre approach, encouraging participants to explore and create across styles such as hip hop, electronic, house, experimental, and more.
The focus will be on building confidence, developing practical skills, and giving people the tools to start honing their musical intuition and creating their own music straight away.
With a strong emphasis on inclusion, creativity, and real-world application, this group session in the Henry Watson Music Library on the first floor will be suitable for all abilities.
Capacity is limited, so be quick…
Tickets are ‘pay-whatever-you-like’!
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

RNCM presents... At Henry Watson Music Library
2026-10-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
RNCM presents… At the Henry Watson Music Library is a brand new series of concerts for 2026.
Taking place in the historic music library of Central Library, these concerts will introduce audiences to the talented roster of musicians currently studying at the esteemed music College.
From soloists to singer-songwriters, classical to pop, this lunchtime series promises to showcase some of the most sumptuous sounds and skilled musicians emerging from the RNCM right now.
With each edition spotlighting a different musician from the College, standby for the full details of the inaugural session in due course.
Open to the public, tickets are just pay-what-you-like – on sale soon.
This event is part of the Cultural Welcome Week at Central Library.

Gig: Faint Red Star - LIVE
2026-11-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
On Saturday 21st November, rising electronic duo Faint Red Star will perform an intimate matinee show at the Henry Watson Music Library.
Faint Red Star are a duo born in Manchester, UK. Blending soaring synths with warm, rumbling beats and stirring vocal melodies, their sound is a heady concoction of brooding synth-pop, dark wave, and alternative textures.
Performing live in 2026, the duo draws inspiration from nostalgic sonics, shot thhrough with a sparkle of vintage video games, shimmering synthesisers, and the wondrous wave genres of the 80’s and 90’s.
With songs that explore life’s immersive highs and expose the aching lows of human connection, Faint Red Star’s creations are at turns whimsical, ambient, and drenched in drama.
Their striking music creates a dreamy and reminiscent space for the audience to gently drop their guard, bounce and sink into sound – with the band due to perform cuts from their catalogue to date at the Henry Watson Music Library, Central Library on 21st November.
TICKETS
Tickets are just pay-what-you-like! Available HERE
For multiple tickets, please repeat the eventbrite ordering process until you have the quantitiy you require.
Any donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
Listen to Faint Red Star here: https://soundcloud.com/faintredstarmusic

Gig: The Blazing Snowmen
2026-12-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Manchester quartet The Blazing Snowmen will launch a brand new book and perform live in a special show at the Henry Watson Music Library this Winter.
The history of the Blazing Snowmen goes back to the early 80s alternative scene in Manchester and had associations with Factory Records, Marc Riley & the Creepers, Intape Records, Tools You Can Trust.
The band presents with diverse musical references, as a backdrop to storytelling in forensic detail about our everyday lives.
On 12th December, the Snowmen will launch a brand new book of their song lyrics with a show at the Music Library of Central Library.
Expect lyric dissection and performances of some songs from the book (illustrated by local artist, Helen Mandel).
TICKETS
Tickets are just pay-what-you-like! Available HERE
For multiple tickets, please repeat the eventbrite ordering process until you have the quantitiy you require.
Any donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
Listen to The Blazing Snowmen on Bandcamp here: Music | The Blazing Snowmen
