Library Live

Live Music: Access Creative College presents ‘Live In The Library’
2026-06-17 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Henry Watson Music Library
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 of talented musicians.

An unmissable opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow, from the comfort of your library, this FREE daytime event will showcase performances from a wide range of rising talents across the college, including intimate sets from solo singers to frenetic full band arrangements.
Following the success of their inaugural launch event in the Spring, the 2026 cohort will be rounding the Summer term off with a bang. Full line-up for the 17th June edition will include performances by:

Connie-Mae (Singer)
Zahra Majid (Singer)
Miriki (Band)
Emily-Mae (Singer-songwriter)
Rosie (Singer-songwriter)
Bobby B (Singer-songwriter)

The event is open to the public, and completely free to attend. See you down the front!

Free – please drop in.
Please consider making a donation to support our cultural programme if you can, either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Woodshed Collective - Live at the Library!
2026-06-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Jazz quartet to perform a special lunchtime set at the Henry Watson Music Library this June.

Woodshed Collective is unified by a shared passion for performing and composing jazz in its many forms.
The band takes its inspiration from traditional artists such as Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Cannonball Adderley, aiming to develop their own sound based on the trademark sounds of these artists.
The collective consists of Olli Bonada on the piano, saxophonist David Sotunde, experienced bassist Darren Randle and drummer Luke Komlosy.
The quartet is looking forward to bringing their sound to Central Library’s Henry Watson Music Library for a special lunchtime show, with their one-hour setlist includes upcoming original single ‘Spiralling’ as well as classic standards such as ‘Take the “A” Train’ and ‘My Favorite Things’.
Purchase ‘pay-what-you-can’ tickets on Eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries

Make Music Day Gig: Greater Manchester Voices choir
2026-06-20 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
In celebration of Make Music Day 2026, the Greater Manchester Voices choir will be performing a very special set in the Henry Watson Music Library.
The Greater Manchester Voices is a lively community choir based in South Manchester, built on three simple foundations: Singing, Smiling and Socialising.
Founded by Musical Director Ollie Mills in 2011, the choir are going strong in their 15th year. Meeting every Thursday at St Nicholas Church, Kingsway they have a reputation for belting out anything from pop and show tunes, to jazz and classical, and even a little world music.
With an “everyone welcome” attitude, the encouraging group is made up of four vocal sections who enthusiastically rehearse all year round. The result is a choir with luscious harmonies and ambitious vocal arrangements.
Taking place on Saturday 20th June, this FREE afternoon concert at Central Library, is titled “Summer Songs In The City”. The show will mark their first public outing in Manchester city centre and the group are excited to share their joy of singing with a new audience.
Visitors can expect Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay, Lloyd-Webber, traditional African songs and even a sea shanty….
Free – just drop in!
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Ukulele Lesson - Small Group!
2026-07-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join us this July for something a little different at the Henry Watson Music Library — a relaxed, beginner-friendly ukulele workshop.
Led by tutor Jim Wallace, this Ukulele Lesson is all about confidence, connection, and enjoying music together in a welcoming setting.
For 25 years, Jim has been bringing his passionate music teaching experiences to venues across Manchester – and now he will be coming to Central Library for a evening of strumming and good company for folks of all abilities.
Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or you’re tempted to try something new, this workshop is open to complete beginners and rusty returners alike. No music reading required — and instruments are provided.
Perfectly timed for an after-work drop-in, expect a friendly, low-pressure session where we’ll learn a few simple chords, play familiar songs together, and enjoy making music in a supportive small group.
Come along, give it a try, and discover just how enjoyable making music can be.
Small group – limited places available. Tuesday 7 July, 6pm-7pm.
Instruments provided – just bring yourself!
It’s never too late to play…
Tickets are just ‘pay-what-you-can’. Book HERE.
All donations go to Manchester Libraries.

New Horizons Choir sing Punk Classics
2026-07-08 17:15 - 18:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations marking the anniversary of the Sex Pistols’ legendary Lesser Free Trade Hall, the New Horizons Choirs will be performing a special punk set.

New Horizons is a fun, welcoming, inclusive choir who meet for a sing every week in the Manchester Central Library. With a varied repertoire of songs, from 80s pop ballads through classics and showtunes to upbeat contemporary bangers, they have been the house choir at the library for many years. After a stunning “Oasis Week” set last year, the choir are now preparing for a special punk set like no other.
As choir leader Tom Guest says of the set:
“Punk is not the obvious choice of genre for a choir, but it has been great putting these Punk classics together in rehearsal. These songs by Blondie, The Clash, The Jam and Buzzcocks are all so infectious – so make sure you sing along with us and raise the roof again, 50 years on!”
Primarily a singing group for well-being, with the focus on enjoying the mental health benefits singing together can bring, the choir have also given performances at established local venues such as Manchester Cathedral, Gorton Monastery, and of course Manchester Central Library.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

SOLD OUT: Never Mind The Books Here’s PUNK DAY!
2026-07-11 11:30 - 16:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
This July, the Henry Watson Music Library will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Sex Pistols’ iconic 1976 gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall.
A definitive milestone in the city’s musical history, Sex Pistols’ first appearance in Manchester has since become the stuff of rock legend. Named “the most important gig of all time” by the NME, it was a watershed moment that ushered in a new generation of artists and a new way of thinking, and redefined music in the North, and beyond, forever.

With the former Lesser Free Trade Hall just across the street, the Henry Watson Music Library at Central Library will be commemorating that legendary date with a day that salutes everything PUNK.

Promising a packed afternoon of themed talks and Q&As, acclaimed author DAVID NOLAN will be presenting his book “I Swear I Was There – Sex Pistols, Manchester and the Gig that Changed the World”. Despite thousands claiming they were in attendance, only a handful of people were actually there – but those that were went on to form bands including The Smiths, Buzzcocks, Joy Division, New Order and The Fall. In a myth-busting masterclass of investigative journalism, Nolan has sorted the hardcore facts from the rock’n’roll fiction and will be appearing at the Library in-person to tell us exactly who really was at the Lesser Free Trade Hall gig, and who has just been blagging…

Elsewhere, Manchester music scene legend and talking head JOHN ROBB, will be talking about his brand new book “Punk Rock Ruined My Life and Other Stories”. As the frontman of both Membranes and Goldblade, and founder of tastemaker site Louder Than War, John is a man who knows punk inside-out. Chatting through his new memoir, he will be delving into his deep friendships with figures like Poly Styrene to Chris Packham, growing up in Blackpool, interviewing icons like Mark E. Smith to Patti Smith, plus opening-up on a host of other riotous stories.

Plus, proving it wasn’t just the Pistols tearing up the rule book, Louder Than War journalist IAIN KEY will be presenting his new “All The Young Punks: A People’s History of The Clash”. From their own punk explosion of 1976 to become an internationally acclaimed arena act, Iain will be discussing their history with lifelong Clash fan PAUL HANLEY (ex-Fall).

And in true punk spirit, one of Manchester’s most fiery new acts DEAD STILETTOS will be performing live to show us that the legacy of what the Sex Pistols started in the Lesser Free Trade Hall is alive and well. DIY to the core, the five-piece have been described as “Stoogified Mancunian Punk” and will deliver a shot of live rock’n’roll mayhem to close proceedings with a bang.
SET TIMES
12:00 12:45 In Conversation: ‘All the Young Punks: A People’s History of the Clash’ –
Q&A w/ Iain Key in conversation with Paul Hanley (ex-Fall)
13:00 13:45 Talk: ‘I Swear I Was There’: David Nolan
David presents a talk on the legendary 1976 Sex Pistols Gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall.
14:00 15:00 In Conversation: “Punk Rock Ruined My Life”
Q&A w/ John Robb in conversation with Iain Key
15:45 16:30 Music: Dead Stilettos – LIVE!
*****

Book tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’. All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Intergenerational Music Making: Access All Ages Creative Community Hub
2026-07-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-08-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Intergenerational Music Making invites you to join our age inclusive creative sessions, designed to bring communities together. Every session will include opportunities to get creative through music, art, poetry, movement, storytelling, and meaningful conversations that bring people together. Held in the beautiful Henry Watson Music Library within Manchester Central Library, the sessions are relaxed, flexible, accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Stereo Listening Booth - LIVE!
2026-07-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
A special matinee show from the Manchester electronic act LIVE from the Henry Watson Music Library.

Ellesmere Port resident Patrick Oakford and Manchester’s Travis Eagle write and perform original electronic / dance / trance / club soundscapes under the name Stereo Listening Booth.
Reviewing the debut album ‘Disko Noir’, Louder than War magazine described the experience as ‘somewhere between a less sleazy Soft Cell and more interesting New Order’.
The band’s mission statement is a simple one: ‘nothing ruled out, nothing ruled in’.
Stereo Listening Booth will be performing live at selective venues throughout the year, with an exclusive performance right here in the Henry Watson Music Library at Central Library.
Special guests TBC – watch this space.
Book tickets and make a donation on Eventbrite here or ‘Book Now’ below
All donations go to the Manchester Libraries Trust (registered charity number: 1150161).

Watch / listen to “99 Otago St” here:

Family Music Making with Sarah Atter
2026-08-25 10:00 - 10:45 | Henry Watson Music Library
Join Sarah for lots of fun, music-making, action songs, playing instruments & more!
Come along for a fun and interactive musical adventure, with each session specially tailored to different ages.
Session 1 – Babies & Younger EYFS
10:00–10:45am
Suitable for babies and young children up to age 5
This session is particularly tailored towards babies and younger children in the EYFS. Join us for singing, movement, music making, instruments and playful activities as we take a rocket ship into space and discover different planets.
Session 2 – EYFS & Lower KS1
11:15am–12:00pm
Suitable for ages 18 months–5 years
Aimed at EYFS and KS1 children and their parents/carers, this session will get you all singing, moving, making music and creating as we take a rocket ship to Zoom into space and discover different planets!
Session 3 – Upper KS1 & KS2
1:00–1:45pm
Suitable for ages 6–10
Can we create our own musical planets? What do they look like? What do they sound like? And how might we get there?
This session for KS1 and KS2 pupils will get children singing, making music and composing their very own world premieres!
Booking
All sessions are free, but booking is required.
Please select the ticket for the session that is most appropriate for your child’s age. Parents and carers are welcome to join in and will need to stay with their children during the session.

Mahjong Music Club (MMMC)
2026-09-01 17:00 - 19:00
Manchester Mahjong Music Club (MMMC) is a new community gathering where mahjong and music bring people together.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or have been playing for years, everyone is welcome, especially the aunties!
Each 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.
Come to learn, play, listen, and meet new people across generations.
First gathering – 1 September (the first day of ESEA Heritage Month)

Free – just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Gig: The Last Caboose - LIVE!
2026-09-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Alternative folk risers THE LAST CABOOSE will be performing live at the Henry Watson Music Library this September.
Formed in Manchester in 2024 The Last Caboose play music with an acoustic feel, bringing together elements of Folk, Country, Americana and Classic Pop.
A 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.
The 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
Support 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.
Set Times
6.00: Doors
6.15: Cathie Pixey
6.45: The Last Caboose
7.30: Finish
Tickets are ‘pay what you like’ – book them via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below
All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.

Library Lunchtime Choir
2026-09-08 12:30 - 13:15 | Henry Watson Music Library
Fancy a sing on your lunch break? Or just a feel-good sing to boost your day? Then come along to our regular Library Lunchtime Choir session!
There is no pressure to be a virtuoso, we’re just singing to feel better. The session will be 45 minutes of warm-ups and an arrangement of a well-known tune. You don’t need to be able to read music, we will learn everything by ear using the lyrics.
Sessions are run by Sarah Adams (Choirs Manchester) and the ethos is all about setting a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy singing together as a group.
Come along with a friend or on your own, it’ll be a friendly, laid back session!
Free – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Ukulele Workshop - Small group session!
2026-09-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Led by tutor Jim Wallace, this Ukulele Lesson is all about confidence, connection, and enjoying music together in a welcoming setting.
For 25 years, Jim has been bringing his passionate music teaching experiences to venues across Manchester – and now he will be coming to Central Library for a evening of strumming and good company for folks of all abilities.
Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or you’re tempted to try something new, this workshop is open to complete beginners and rusty returners alike. No music reading required — and instruments are provided.
Perfectly timed for an after-work drop-in, expect a friendly, low-pressure session where we’ll learn a few simple chords, play familiar songs together, and enjoy making music in a supportive small group.
Come along, give it a try, and discover just how enjoyable making music can be.
Small group – limited places available. Tuesday 8 September, 6pm-7pm.
Instruments provided – just bring yourself!
It’s never too late to play…
Pay what you like – book your place via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below

Q&A: Karen McBride: Just A Girl From North Manchester
2026-09-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
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’.
For 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.
The 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.
Displayed 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.
Whether 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‘.
Karen will be in-conversation with Nicola Howard.
There will also be live music from: Shimeon.
Live @ Central Library Performance Space. 6pm-7.30pm.
Tickets – just pay-what-you-like. Book them via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below
All donations to Manchester Libraries to enable future activities.

Music Q&A: Tony Fletcher - 'When UK Punk Went Pop 1980-84'
2026-09-15 18:00 - 19:30
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
