What's on

The Longplayer Conversation: David Attenborough and Chris Watson

Performance Space

A LIVE SCREENING FROM THE BRITISH LIBRARY An evening of extraordinary sounds and discussion The 2017 Longplayer Conversation brings together long time collaborators, sound recordist Chris Watson and naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. Join us for what promises to be a fascinating conversation informed by their shared interests and experiences as sound recordists in […]

Feeling Sound: Evelyn Glennie in Conversation with Colin Blakemore

Seminar Suite, Floor Two

A LIVE SCREENING FROM THE BRITISH LIBRARY Think hearing is just sound waves hitting your ear drums? Think again. Percussionist Evelyn Glennie’s unique connection to her music comes from having lost almost all of her hearing by the age of 12. She joins neuroscientist Colin Blakemore to discuss how we can all really listen. This […]

The Crimson Pioneers

Performance Space

Join us for the premiere of new sci-fi adventure The Crimson Pioneers made by the Manchester Indie Film Makers Group, based at Central Library. Synopsis: The first generation of 'Crimson Pioneers' have started to make Mars their new home. When all seems to be going to plan the unexpected happens and throws everything into chaos. […]

Fascinating tales from great manuscripts

A live screening from the British Library. Second Floor Seminar Suite - Central Library.  Fascinating tales from great manuscripts Introducing the British Library’s exhibition Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War, historian and broadcaster Michael Wood tells 10 fascinating tales from our greatest manuscripts: Augustine of Canterbury and the coming of Christianity; Theodore of Tarsus, Hadrian of Libya […]

Voice in Cookery Writing: Nigella Lawson, Ella Risbridger and Bee Wilson

2nd Floor Seminar Suite

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A LIVE SCREENING OF AN EVENT AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY How do you tell the story of a recipe? A recipe is so much more than a set of instructions; it is a story, an experience waiting to happen. We explore the role of voice, narrative and storytelling in cookery books […]

And We Rise; Together. Performance and Protest Poetry

Performance Space

And We Rise; Together. Performance and Protest Poetry A Young Identity curated event of poetry and readings from material gathered from workshops with community groups based in Moss Side. 1.30 pm-3.30 pm:  A Young Identity curated event where material gathered from community workshops are woven together to produce spoken word and poetry performances by the […]

Nathan Geering’s Award Winning Film Screening ‘Still a Slave’ And Lecture

Performance Space

Nathan Geering’s critically acclaimed and award winning short film screening ‘Still a Slave’, plus a lecture delivered by Nathan and an audience Q&A. The film is a powerful and artistic response to the social media comments that undermined the Black Lives Matter movement.  It illustrates the many ways black people are still bound by society […]

Classic Christmas Film Marathon!

Performance Space

Have we got the ultimate selection box for you! Escape from the shops and join us for a magical day of festive films. Suitable for families. Free - drop in - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

IMLD 25: The Rising Sun documentary film screening

Performance Space

“We had dreams, goals, prospects, and we were working towards them…Everything was perfect! And now…” No family, no home, no language… The Rising Sun is a documentary about a happy life that was destroyed by Russia, leaving darkness, uncertainty and fear ahead. This is the heart breaking story of a young woman who, with her […]

IMLD 25: How to Make a Tank Disappear – Screening

Performance Space

At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, in one Ukrainian village, a story took place that spread around the world. Even the Polish president tweeted about it. Local Roma people stole a Russian tank. One fine day, one high-tech combat vehicle became less without a single shot. There was a tank, and it swam […]

Mystery International Film Screening

Performance Space

Welcome to the second edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: • Doors open: 17:15 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the […]