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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261022T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261022T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T124500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T124527Z
UID:14446-1792656000-1792688400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Hernan Diaz
DESCRIPTION:See Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hernan Diaz (Trust) discuss his brilliant new novel Ply. Set centuries from now\, Ply follows an orphan in a city on the brink of profound change\, drawn into an underground world of art\, music and risk – and a discovery that could reshape reality. A novel of ideas built from a story of people\, it blends Dickensian odyssey\, family drama and scientific thriller to explore selfhood\, connection and the distance between us and those we love.  \nRecently featured on Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club\, Hernan Diaz’s work continues to inspire readers worldwide. Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation with one of contemporary fiction’s most visionary voices.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nHernan Diaz was born in Argentina\, grew up in Sweden and now lives in New York. His acclaimed novels include Trust and In the Distance. Trust is currently being developed as a limited series for HBO\, and it has been named one of the New York Times’s Best 100 Books of the 21st Century. His work has been translated into thirty-seven languages.    \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-hernan-diaz/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HERNAN-DIAZ-photo-copyright-Pascal-Perich-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261021T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261021T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T123941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T124027Z
UID:14439-1792569600-1792602000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Lady Hale & Lara Feigel
DESCRIPTION:Lady Hale\, the first female President of the UK Supreme Court and author of the Women’s Prize longlisted With the Law on Our Side\, joins acclaimed writer Lara Feigel\, author of Custody: The Secret History of Mothers\, for a compelling conversation on law\, family and power.   \nDrawing on real cases and lived testimony\, Lady Hale opens up the legal system with clarity and humanity\, revealing how people experience the law and question where justice lies.   \nLara Feigel explores child custody through the lives of real women who challenged convention and fought for greater freedom and justice\, revealing how motherhood\, power and the law have shaped both family life and feminist progress.  \nTogether they will have a lively conversation about how justice is experienced by children\, mothers and families across history and today.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event co-presented with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester. Sponsored by Weightmans. Supported by Library Live.  \nLady Hale was the first woman to serve on the UK Supreme Court and its first female President. A pioneering legal figure\, she championed landmark reforms in family and disability law.  \nLara Feigel is the author of four highly acclaimed works of cultural history and a novel. She reviews regularly for the Guardian and contributes to a range of BBC radio programmes.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-lady-hale-lara-feigel/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lara-Feigel-PHOTO-credit-Johnny-Ring-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261020T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261020T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T112004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T112004Z
UID:14431-1792483200-1792515600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents M. John Harrison
DESCRIPTION:Spend an evening with one of Britain’s greatest contemporary writers as M. John Harrison discusses his remarkable new novel\, The End of Everything\, with acclaimed writer Helen Mort.   \nSet in a fractured near-future where Europe has been mislaid\, governments barely function and mysterious new life forms emerge from the sea\, this unsettling and darkly funny novel follows a scavenger and his aunt – each drawn into separate journeys that challenges everything they think they know.   \nExpect a provocative and wide-ranging discussion about imagination\, literature and how we navigate a world where crisis has become the backdrop to everyday life.   \n‘M John Harrison is the closest thing we have to a present-day Wyndham or Ballard.’ New Statesman   \n‘The End of Everything is at once surreal\, seductive\, shrewdly funny and wholly terrifying.‘ Julia Armfield  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nJohn Harrisonis the author of more than twenty books\, including the celebratedViriconium sequence\, Light\, The Centauri Device and The Sunken Land Begins to Rise Again. Regarded as one of Britain’s most influential contemporary writers\, he has received numerous awards and written science fiction\, fantasy and speculative fiction.  His anti-memoir\, Wish I Was Here\, was described as a masterpiece and ‘a deep dive into the mind of a genius’ by Monique Roffey.   \nHelen Mort is a Sheffield based poet\, novelist\, non-fiction writer and creative writing lecturer.   \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-m-john-harrison/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/M-John-Harrison-credit-Hugo-Glendinning-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261019T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261019T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T111053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T111358Z
UID:14426-1792396800-1792429200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Willy Vlautin
DESCRIPTION:Join acclaimed musician\, songwriter and novelist Willy Vlautin for a special evening celebrating his powerful new novel\, The Left and the Lucky. Set in Portland\, Oregon\, the novel tells the story of Eddie\, a solitary house painter\, and Russell\, the vulnerable small neighbour who slowly changes his life. Heart wrenching yet uplifting\, The Left and the Lucky is a testament to kindness\, survival and human connection.   \nOne of America’s most distinctive chroniclers of working-class life\, Willy started writing stories and songs at the age of eleven after receiving his first guitar. He joins us to discuss unlikely friendships\, human connection and his commitment to telling working class stories through his work. Don’t miss an evening with one of contemporary fiction’s most charismatic and humane voices.   \n“One of America’s great writers” Roddy Doyle   \n“Willy Vlautin is one of the bravest novelists writing. Murderers\, cheats\, sadists\, showy examples of the banality of evil\, are easy\, but it takes real courage to write a novel about ordinary good people.” Ursula K. Le Guin  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nWilly Vlautin is the acclaimed author of seven novels\, including The Horse\, winner of the 2025 Joyce Carol Oates Award. His novels The Motel Life and Lean on Pete became acclaimed films\, while The Night Always Comes was adapted by Netflix in 2025. Born in Reno\, Nevada\, he lives near Portland\, Oregon and teaches at Pacific University’s MFA in Writing programme. He is the founder of the bands Richmond Fontaine and The Delines.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-willy-vlautin/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Willy-Vlautin-photo-credit-Bobby-Abrahamson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261018T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261018T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T110312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T110312Z
UID:14421-1792310400-1792342800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Simon Armitage: Gilgamesh
DESCRIPTION:The Poet Laureate Simon Armitage returns to present his exhilarating new verse translation of Gilgamesh\, one of the world’s oldest and most compelling\, surviving works of literature. \nOriginating in ancient Mesopotamia nearly 4\,000 years ago\, this epic tale follows King Gilgamesh through adventures\, battles and profound personal loss. The poem explores themes that remain strikingly relevant today: power\, friendship\, love\, loss and what it means to be human. \nA Festival favourite and outstanding live performer\, Simon brings fresh energy and momentum to this ancient story\, capturing its emotional depth and relevance. See him live in what promises to be\, an uplifting journey into the very origins of storytelling. \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live. \nSimon Armitage was born in West Yorkshire and is Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds. An award-winning poet\, translator\, broadcaster and musician\, he has published over twenty poetry collections and is the author of acclaimed translations including Sir Gawain and the Green Knight\, Pearl and The Owl and the Nightingale. He is the current Poet Laureate (2019-2029). \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-simon-armitage-gilgamesh/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Armitage-Simon_credit-Paul-Stuart-Photography-Ltd-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261018T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261018T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T105849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T105849Z
UID:14417-1792310400-1792342800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Natasha Walter - Feminism for A World on Fire
DESCRIPTION:An inspiring conversation with acclaimed author and campaigner Natasha Walter about building a more connected and hopeful future.   \nDrawing on her powerful and urgent new book Feminism for a World on Fire\, Natasha explores how the challenges facing women today – from inequality and online misogyny to climate change – are deeply interconnected and why our responses can be too. She offers a vision of feminism rooted in solidarity\, community and care for both people and the planet\, imagining how women’s liberation can sit alongside movements for equality\, justice and environmental protection.   \n‘Natasha Walters is a unique voice and a big picture thinker. She’s right: this is a world on fire. This book will help you understand exactly how’ Carole Cadwalladr   \n‘At the heart of Natasha Walter’s book is a proposition that actually filled me with hope’ Mary Portas  \nJoin us for a thought-provoking and inclusive event full of hope\, as Natasha explores feminism\, social change and the power of collective action.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nNatasha Walter is an award-winning author\, journalist and campaigner. Her books include The New Feminism\, Living Dolls and Before the Light Fades. She is the founder of Women for Refugee Women and her work in her academic roles\, at the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London\, focuses on women’s rights\, climate justice and equality.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-natasha-walter-feminism-for-a-world-on-fire/
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Natasha-Walter-PHOTO-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261017T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261017T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T105038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T105206Z
UID:14409-1792224000-1792256400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Brutalist Ghost Stories
DESCRIPTION:An afternoon exploring the supernatural with writers Jenn Ashworth\, David Gaffney\, Beth Barker and Nicholas Royle – four contributors to Brutalist Ghost Stories\, a haunting new anthology inspired by Britain’s post-war architecture.   \nBlending literary fiction with the uncanny\, these original stories reimagine Brutalist buildings as places where history\, memory and the supernatural collide. From Preston Bus Station and the Barbican to Forton Service Station and a substation in Sheffield\, the collection offers a striking new way of seeing familiar spaces.   \nHear readings from the anthology and discover how four distinctive Northern voices have transformed these monumental settings into unforgettable ghost stories.  \nBrutalist Ghost Stories is edited by Richard V. Hirst and published by Manchester’s Cōnfingō Publishing.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nJenn Ashworth is an award-winning novelist whose books include A Kind of Intimacy\, Fell and Ghosted. Her memoir Notes Made While Falling was shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize. She lives in Lancashire.   \nDavid Gaffney is a novelist and short story writer whose books include Never Never\, Out of the Dark and Sawn-Off Tales. His work has been appeared on BBC Radio 4. He lives in Manchester.  \nBeth Barker is a writer from Blackpool. Her work has appeared in publications including Prototype 5 and A Wild and Precious Life. She is one of the emerging voices supported through the New North strand of Brutalist Ghost Stories.  \nNicholas Royle is an acclaimed novelist and short story writer whose books include First Novel\, Antwerp and Ornithology. He is the editor of Best British Short Stories and founder of Nightjar Press.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-brutalist-ghost-stories/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1021014.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261016T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261016T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T104451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T104451Z
UID:14402-1792137600-1792170000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Carolyn Forché & Kwame Dawes
DESCRIPTION:Don’t miss this opportunity to hear two of the world’s most visionary poets read and discuss their sublime poetry\, exploring political engagement and the interplay between survival and testimony.  \nOver five decades\, American poet Carolyn Forché has established herself as both ‘a poet of witness’ and an indefatigable human rights activist. Beautifully crafted\, her poems are testimonies\, enquiries and wonderments. Her anthology\, Against Forgetting\, has been praised by Nelson Mandela as ‘itself a blow against tyranny\, against prejudice\, against injustice.’ Otherwise: New & Selected Poems 1976-2026 brings together poems from her five award-winning collections as well as urgent new work.  \nKwame Dawes is the author of numerous books of poetry\, essays and works of fiction\, most recently the collection Sturge Town featuring poems of acute self-reflection alongside those giving voice to invented characters. He is the Poet Laureate of Jamaica\, the Artistic Director of the Calabash International Literary Festival and Professor of Literary Arts at Brown University. His poetry has been described by Martin Espada as ‘the music of survival and transcendence.’  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event co-presented with Manchester Poetry Library\, Bloodaxe Books and Renaissance One. Supported by Library Live.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-carolyn-forche-kwame-dawes/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kwame-Dawes-photo-©-Chris-Abani-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261015T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261015T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T103747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T103747Z
UID:14394-1792051200-1792083600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Louise Kennedy & Wendy Erskine
DESCRIPTION:Two of Northern Ireland’s most acclaimed\, contemporary authors\, Louise Kennedy and Wendy Erskine\, join BBC 6 Music broadcaster Deb Grant for an unmissable conversation about storytelling and identity.   \nLouise Kennedy (Trespasses) introduces Stations\, one of the most anticipated novels of 2026\, a moving and immersive story of first love\, friendship\, freedom and reinvention that spans decades and explores the choices that echo throughout our lives.   \nWendy Erskine (Dance Move) discusses The Benefactors\, her Women’s Fiction Prize-longlisted novel: a bold\, darkly funny and razor-sharp examination of class\, power\, motherhood and social exclusion in contemporary Northern Ireland.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nLouise Kennedy is the bestselling author of Trespasses\, winner of multiple awards including Debut Fiction Book of the Year at the British Book Awards\, and the acclaimed short-story collection The End of the World Is a Cul de Sac.   \nWendy Erskine is the award-winning author of Sweet Home and Dance Move\, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature\, broadcaster and interviewer and works as a secondary school teacher in Belfast.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-louise-kennedy-wendy-erskine/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Louise-Kennedy-photo-credit-Alexis-Kirschbaum-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261013T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261013T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T102807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T071626Z
UID:14388-1791878400-1791910800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Frank Cottrell-Boyce
DESCRIPTION:Beloved author\, screenwriter and Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce brings his trademark wit and warmth to a moving conversation about books\, imagination and the stories that shape our lives.   \nInspired by his new non-fiction book\, A British Childhood\, as well as many of his own favourite reads\, Frank reflects on what it means to grow up in Britain today\, sharing stories gathered from children\, families\, schools and libraries across the country\, who have grown up in the shadow of Covid and austerity. Along the way\, he’ll celebrate the books that have inspired him\, champion the importance of reading and share why storytelling remains one of the most powerful and essential gifts we can give children.  \n“Frank Cottrell-Boyce is truly a great champion for children and childhood… No home\, no school\, and especially no library should be without this story and this book.”  Michael Morpurgo  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nFrank Cottrell-Boyce is one of Britain’s most acclaimed writers for children\, whose bestselling novels include Millions\, Cosmic\, Framed and The Astounding Broccoli Boy. Waterstones Children’s Laureate from 2024 – 2026\, he is also an award-winning screenwriter whose work includes Doctor Who\, Kensuke’s Kingdom and\, with Danny Boyle\, the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics. Expect wit\, warmth\, insight and plenty of memorable book recommendations. \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-frank-cottrell-boyce/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Frank-Cottrell-Boyce-photo-credit-Rich-Barr-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261012T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261012T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260820T094349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T094531Z
UID:14379-1791792000-1791824400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Ian McMillan
DESCRIPTION:Beloved poet\, broadcaster and performer Ian McMillan launches his moving and inventive new collection Red River Valley. Drawing on family life\, everyday absurdities and the impact of austerity on the South Yorkshire village where he has lived all his life\, Ian creates poems that are funny\, poignant and full of humanity.   \nRenowned for his warmth\, wit and extraordinary live readings\, he brings language vividly to life on the page and on stage. Join one of Britain’s most treasured poets for a celebration of storytelling\, community and the power of words.   \n‘World-class – one of today’s greatest poetry performers’ Carol Ann Duffy  \nHosted by Becky Swain.   \nA Manchester Literature Festival event co-presented with Manchester Poetry Library at Manchester Metropolitan University. Supported by Library Live.  \nIan McMillan was born in Barnsley. He published his first Carcanet book of poems\, The Changing Problem\, in 1980. His collections include Selected Poems (a Poetry Book Society Recommendation)\, I Found this Shirt and To Fold the Evening Star. He has hosted The Verb\, BBC Radio 4’s arts programme since 2002\, and been Barnsley Football Club’s poet-in-residence and Yorkshire TV’s Investigative Poet. \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-ian-mcmillan/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Ian-McMillan-PHOTO-Jody-Moore-Bolder-Visual-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261007T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261007T140000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260129T082635Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T102234Z
UID:12700-1791378000-1791381600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Behind the Scenes Tour (Cultural Welcome Week)
DESCRIPTION:Calling all students! Get to know your Central Library inside out with this behind the scenes tour.  \nWhich musician was once thrown out of the Language and Literature Library? \nWhat would you find now in the space where Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren – amongst many others – played their first roles? \nWhat do George V\, Gypsy Rose Lee and Bernard Bresslaw have in common? \nAll these questions – and many more – are answered on a tour of Manchester Central Library which will take you to all the areas not normally accessible to the general public and tell the story of this iconic building. Tours last around 60 minutes and include the chance to see the strong rooms beneath the building and some of our rarest treasures and archives. \nPlease meet in the main entrance (Shakespeare Hall) of Central Library from 12.45pm. The tour starts at 1pm. \nDid you know\, you can join our Library Lovers scheme and enjoy a free tour\, plus discounts in our shop and cafe\, and invites to other events and exhibition launches? Find out more and join online. \nThis tour is part of the Cultural Welcome Week\, aimed at students and new arrivals to Manchester.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/behind-the-scenes-tour-3/
LOCATION:Entrance Hall
CATEGORIES:Archives,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Central-Library-Reading-Room.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260930T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260930T170000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260910T104858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T104858Z
UID:14646-1790755200-1790787600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Talk: Schinkel in Manchester 1826-2026
DESCRIPTION:An evening with staff of the Manchester School of Architecture celebrating the 1826 visit to  Manchester of the Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel which will include discussion of the making of architectural models of buildings in Manchester and Berlin\, an exploration of the influence of his visit and an opportunity to play Schinkel Bingo. \nFree – please drop in \nPlease consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/talk-schinkel-in-manchester-1826-2026/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_7567-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260929T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260929T200000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260813T083825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T083825Z
UID:14324-1790704800-1790712000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Causing Trouble: A Queer Up North Panel Event
DESCRIPTION:Join Manchester Histories and Queer Up North for a panel discussion exploring what today’s queer cultural spaces can learn from Queer Up North\, cultural activism and the radical past. Looking back at the festival in the context of the AIDS crisis\, Section 28 and wider movements for LGBTQ+ rights\, the conversation asks what should be carried forward\, what should be challenged\, and what a Queer Up North for 2026 might look like. The panel will explore the role of archives\, activism and artistic experimentation in shaping queer culture today. \nChaired by Cheryl Martin\, the discussion features Alyson Campbell\, Topher Campbell and Robert Pacitti\, bringing together artists and cultural leaders to reflect on the future of queer cultural practice. \nBook your free tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/causing-trouble-a-queer-up-north-panel-event/
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/54782373806_1f340e13ce_c.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260924T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260924T200000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260813T082835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T083426Z
UID:14316-1790272800-1790280000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Generations of Love: A Queer Up North Panel Event
DESCRIPTION:Join Manchester Histories and Queer Up North for a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring how queer culture can build community\, connect generations and sustain radical creative practice. Reflecting on the legacy of Queer Up North\, the conversation will consider what the festival built\, what it inherited\, and what we can learn from it today. The panel will also explore how we can maintain spaces for transgressive\, experimental work and radical queer practice in an increasingly commercial world. \nChaired by John E. McGrath\, the discussion features Gavin Barlow\, Dr Phoebe Patey-Ferguson and Claud Cunningham\, bringing together artists\, producers and cultural leaders to reflect on the past\, present and future of queer culture. \nBook your free tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/generations-of-love-a-queer-up-north-panel-event/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/54782600808_90b82ae80a_c.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260922T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260922T184500
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260916T104951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T104951Z
UID:14693-1790098200-1790102700@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Our Town Hall Heritage Evening Lecture with Hankinson Heritage
DESCRIPTION:Manchester Town Hall closed in 2018 for major restoration to repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work includes conservation of many original heritage features. \n\n\n\n\nThe Heritage Lectures in Central Library shine a light on some of this fascinating work and the next one – on Tuesday 22 September – will focus on the decorative paintwork restorations that have been made inside the building\, with a presentation by Phyllis Smith of Hankinson Whittle. \nThe Hankinson’s Heritage team is made up of highly skilled decorators and artists\, who undertake projects of varying scales\, encompassing the restorative work that is so important to maintain structural integrity and historical features of older buildings. At Manchester Town Hall they’ve worked on ceilings throughout the main corridors of the ground and first floors as well as the State Rooms. \nFind out more and book your free tickets here.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/our-town-hall-heritage-evening-lecture-with-hankinson-heritage/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Heritage,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Hankinsons-colour-20240716-DSC_4089-OTH-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260625T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260625T190000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260303T153116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T153511Z
UID:13072-1782410400-1782414000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Music Q&A: ‘It's Time the Tale Were Told - A People's History of the Smiths'
DESCRIPTION:‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths’ is the story of one of the UK’s most influential indie bands and Manchester’s greatest musical exports. \nFeaturing the words of over 500 fans of the band\, this joyous new book has been collated by author and journalist Iain Key\, plus publisher Richard Houghton (Spenwood Books) will be coming to Central Library to tell us about it. From memories of their earliest club shows through to the last ever gig at London’s Brixton Academy\, this is a portrait of The Smiths as painted by the fans. \nWith personal photographs\, memorabilia\, anecdotes and first-hand accounts of more than 100 gigs\, readers will get a front row view of the indie music legends. Based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Marr\, The Smiths’ 1985 album Meat Is Murder topped the UK album charts and their other three studio albums reached No 2. The band broke up in 1987 and turned down all invitations to reunite. \nIain Key is a recognisable face on the Manchester Music Scene from many years in the late ’80s and ’90s.A journalist for the tastemaker music site Louder Than War\, Iain has written over 500 pieces including music\, book and gig reviews. Iain has also produced weekly music shows for the last 4 years for Louder Than War Radio\, focussing on both new music and interviews with new and established acts. Iain has also edited People’s Histories of The Clash and Billy Bragg for Spenwood Books. \nIain will be speaking to the publisher of Spenwood Books\, Richard Houghton\, Expect an intimate\, in-person talk\, Q&A and book signing with the author.\n\nTickets are ‘pay-what-you can’ – available via Eventbrite here or clicking the ‘Book Now’ button below\, simply ‘pay-what-you can’. \nAll donations go to Manchester Libraries.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/music-qa-its-time-the-tale-were-told-a-peoples-history-of-the-smiths/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Richard-Iain.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260612T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260612T163000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260602T110525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T131055Z
UID:13780-1781276400-1781281800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Heartstone: KFOR AND KOSOVO +25 Event
DESCRIPTION:On June 12th\, the photo-documentary exhibition\, ‘KFOR and Kosovo +25’\, is at the centre of an extraordinary event being staged at Manchester Central Library as part of Manchester’s Festival of Libraries.\n\n\nProduced by internationally acclaimed photographer\, Nick Sidle\, covering the period 2000-1\, in the aftermath of the 1999 Kosova war\, the exhibition tells an uplifting visual story of the resilience of ordinary people recovering from a period of horrific ethnic cleansing and the role of the KFOR peacekeepers in bringing the stability and security from which peace followed. Many in the Greater Manchester region supported at the time with funds\, blankets\, toys and other items. \nThis event will bring together online for the first time some of the civilians pictured in the images\, who have been located 25 years later in Kosova\, and others who were part of this period in the North West and other parts of the UK. In Kosova\, the event is taking shape from the National Library of Kosova opened by Kosova’s Minister for Culture\, Saranda Bogujevci\, herself a survivor of the Podujeva Massacre and one of those evacuated to Manchester in 1999. \nAdmission is free and there is no booking required\, but please come early to be secure of a place at this event. \nHeader Photo by ©Nick Sidle.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/kfor-and-kosovo-25-event/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Kosovo_exhibition_INSIGHTS_2_900_x_450_dec25.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260526T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260526T193000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260506T094858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T131105Z
UID:13570-1779818400-1779823800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Mieczysław Fogg - 1930s Cabaret to Wartime Resistance
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a unique event celebrating Mieczysław Fogg\, Poland’s legendary crooner on the 125th anniversary of his birth. Dive into the vibe of 1930s cabaret and discover how his music became a symbol of wartime resistance. With stories from cultural researcher and journalist Juliette Bretan\, a visual journey through his inspiring life and melodies from singer songwriter Katy Carr. His unforgettable voice continues to affect contemporary musicians and listeners. Don’t miss out on this Polish Heritage event brought to you by Anna Kucewicz and Eva Szegidewicz. \nFree – reserve a place on Eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/mieczyslaw-fogg-1930s-cabaret-to-wartime-resistance/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Polish-event-image.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260513T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260513T193000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260428T122844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T122844Z
UID:13551-1778695200-1778700600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Crime Central
DESCRIPTION:Crime Central is the monthly crime and thriller fiction event at Manchester Central Library. \n\n\n\n\nAUTHORS APPEARING IN MAY ARE ZOE SHARPE\, SIMON MICHAEL AND DAVID PENNY!!\nBringing the best from all over!\nFeaturing the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country – the big names are all coming to Manchester! \nGo behind the scenes!\nShowcasing blockbuster bestsellers\, emerging talent and industry insiders\, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the crime world. \nMeet your favourite authors!\nWith giveaways\, audience interaction\, book signings\, the chance to ask questions and more – while bringing a crime fiction buzz back to this great northern city.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/crime-central-23/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event,Signing,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Crime-Central-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260512T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260512T190000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260422T082214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T084118Z
UID:13479-1778607000-1778612400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:A Brush With History - Restoring Our Town Hall's paintings. Evening Lecture.
DESCRIPTION:Our Town Hall Project Heritage Lecture Evening Session 5.30pm \n\n\n\n\nA Brush With History – Restoring Our Town Hall’s paintings. Evening lecture. \nIn this Heritage Lecture\, we’ll be learning about the conservation work undertaken by Beth Jowett of Elizabeth Jowett Conservation of Paintings\, one of several expert conservators who have been taking care of the Town Hall’s collection of paintings.Beth will talk us through the detailed work she’s completed\, having undertaken three batches of paintings totalling 16 oil paintings\, including their frames too. \nThe evening lecture is free to attend but please book your place. \n5.30pm Tuesday 12 May 2026\, The Performance Space\, Central Library.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/a-brush-with-history-restoring-our-town-halls-paintings-evening-lecture/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Heritage,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MTH-PR-C-lo-2289-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260512T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260512T143000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260422T081829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T081829Z
UID:13474-1778590800-1778596200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:A Brush With History - Restoring Our Town Hall's paintings. Afternoon Lecture.
DESCRIPTION:Our Town Hall Project Heritage Lecture Afternoon Session 1pm \n\n\n\n\nA Brush With History – Restoring Our Town Hall’s paintings. Afternoon lecture. \nIn this Heritage Lecture\, we’ll be learning about the conservation work undertaken by Beth Jowett of Elizabeth Jowett Conservation of Paintings\, one of several expert conservators who have been taking care of the Town Hall’s collection of paintings.Beth will talk us through the detailed work she’s completed\, having undertaken three batches of paintings totalling 16 oil paintings\, including their frames too. \nThe afternoon lecture is free to attend but please book your place. \n1pm Tuesday 12 May 2026\, The Performance Space\, Central Library.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/a-brush-with-history-restoring-our-town-halls-paintings-afternoon-lecture/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Heritage,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MTH-PR-C-lo-2289-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260505T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260505T190000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260303T151809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T151900Z
UID:13064-1778004000-1778007600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:People’s Infrastructure: Everyday Life in Changing China
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Manchester Confucius Institute’s second public talk linked to our 20th anniversary exhibition \, Building China: People’s Infrastructure \nThis talk moves from the visual culture of the 1950s and the institutional landscapes of the 1970s to contemporary studies of markets\, parks\, sidewalks\, and sites of urban redevelopment. Across these moments\, infrastructure is approached as something maintained through labour\, inhabitation\, and routine use. Attention shifts between rural and urban settings\, historical transformation and present conditions\, to show how social life and material systems remain closely intertwined. ‘People’s infrastructure’ offers a lens for understanding continuity and change in China’s recent past and present. \nAfter the talk\, there will be an opportunity to visit the Manchester Confucius Institute’s 20th anniversary exhibition\, Building China: People’s Infrastructure\, on the Lower Ground Floor of the Central Library (exhibited from 1 March until 30 May 2026). \nFree – booking required via Eventbrite here or via ‘Book Now’ below \n==================================== \nAbout the speaker: \nDeljana Iossifova is Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies and lead the Urban Studies Lab at the University of Manchester\, where she also acts as Academic Director of the Confucius Institute. She was trained as an architect at ETH Zurich and holds a PhD in Public Policy Design from Tokyo Institute of Technology\, which she obtained following years of professional practice in East Asia. Her research examines the dynamics between architecture\, everyday life\, urban transformations\, and global environmental change. \nThe Manchester Confucius Institute Public Talk Series: \nManchester Confucius Institute public talks are free\, informal and informative lectures aimed at anyone with an interest in Chinese culture and language. \nFind out more about the Manchester Confucius Institute.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/peoples-infrastructure-everyday-life-in-changing-china/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Everyday-life-in-changing-china.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260416T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260416T190000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260303T150555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T144407Z
UID:13051-1776362400-1776366000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:People as Infrastructure: The Architectural Wisdom of Informality
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Manchester Confucius Institute’s first public talk of the year\, launching our anniversary exhibition\, Building China: People’s Infrastructure. \nExplore the spontaneous and ingenious adaptations found in China’s urban marketplaces\, where everyday materials become functional art. This talk delves into the world of informal architectural practices that thrive without formal design processes\, reflecting a bottom-up creativity that challenges our conventional views on sustainability and technology in building. We’ll discuss how these grassroots innovations might teach us new ways to think about architecture and urban infrastructure. \nAfter the talk\, there will be an opportunity to visit the Manchester Confucius Institute’s 20th anniversary exhibition\, Building China: People’s Infrastructure\, on the Lower Ground Floor of the Central Library (exhibited from 1 March until 30 May 2026). \nFree – booking required via Eventbrite here or via the ‘Book Now’ button below \n==================================== \nAbout the speaker: \nZiqiu Ren is a spatial filmmaker and architectural researcher. Her research is established at the intersection of urban studies\, ethnographic theories\, and creative media. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Architecture at the University of Manchester\, working on Chinese food marketplaces\, supported by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). She is an associated researcher at the Urban Studies Lab.  \nhe Manchester Confucius Institute Public Talk Series \nManchester Confucius Institute public talks are free\, informal and informative lectures aimed at anyone with an interest in Chinese culture and language. \nFind out more about the Manchester Confucius Institute
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/people-as-infrastructure-the-architectural-wisdom-of-informalit/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/people-as-infrastructure-architectural-wisdom-of-informality.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260312T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260312T190000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260218T100848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T100848Z
UID:12868-1773331200-1773342000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Knowing Yesterday\, Shaping Tomorrow: The Inaugural Lou Kushnick Memorial Lecture with Professor Abdul Alkalimat
DESCRIPTION:The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust\, in partnership with the University of Manchester\, is launching a new annual lecture in honour of our founder\, Professor Lou Kushnick. Lou was a tireless advocate for anti‑racist education and a driving force behind both the Education Trust and the RACE Centre. Since his death in early 2025\, he has been deeply missed. \nThis new lecture series celebrates his legacy\, beginning with an inaugural talk by Professor Abdul Alkalimat. Professor Alkalimat – internationally respected scholar-activist and a founding figure in Black Studies in the United States – was a friend and colleague of Lou’s. \nProfessor Alkalimat opens this new lecture series by commemorating Lou’s important work. He will respond to four key questions: Who was Lou Kushnick? Why am I speaking about him? Why was he concerned about racism? And why should we be concerned about racism? His perspective will reflect his African American identity\, but will also connect with the trans-Atlantic perspective he shared with Lou. \nWe welcome friends observing Ramadan and our programme will allow for Maghrib and Iftar. \nThere is a dedicated prayer space in Manchester Central Library. \nComplimentary hot food\, tea and coffee will be provided. \n\nBook your free space on eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below.\n\n===========================\n\nAbout Professor Abdul Alkalimat\n\nAbdul Alkalimat (born Gerald A. McWorter) is a founder of the field of Black Studies and author of many books and papers about Black liberation. He wrote the first college textbook for the field\, Introduction to Afro-American Studies\, which has seen seven editions\, the last one free and online. A lifelong scholar-activist with a PhD from the University of Chicago\, he has lectured\, taught\, and directed academic programs across the US\, the Caribbean\, Africa\, Europe\, and China. Two of his early contributions were serving as chair of the Chicago chapter of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)\, and co-founding the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC) in 1967. Raised in Chicago’s Cabrini Rowhouses\, he is now professor emeritus of African American Studies and Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. \nHis most recent books are: \n* The History of Black Studies\, published by Pluto Press 2021 \n* Dialectics of Liberation: The African Liberation Support Committee\, published by Africa World Press 2022 \n* The Wall of Respect: Public Art and Black Liberation in 1960s Chicago\, co-edited with Romi Crawford and Rebecca Zorach and published by Northwestern University Press 2017 \n* New Philadelphia\, written by Gerald A. McWorter and Kate Williams-McWorter for the New Philadelphia (IL) Association and published by Path Press 2018. \nMuch of his work is freely available at http://www.alkalimat.org.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/knowing-yesterday-shaping-tomorrow-the-inaugural-lou-kushnick-memorial-lecture-with-professor-abdul-alkalimat/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Lou-Kushnick-memorial-lecture-design-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260204T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260204T193000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260112T123957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T155309Z
UID:12447-1770228000-1770233400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Crime Central
DESCRIPTION:Bringing the best from all over!\n\nFeaturing the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country – the big names are all coming to Manchester! \n\n\n\n\n\nGo behind the scenes!\n\nShowcasing blockbuster bestsellers\, emerging talent and industry insiders\, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the crime world. \n\n\n\n\n\nMeet your favourite authors!\n\nWith giveaways\, audience interaction\, book signings\, the chance to ask questions and more – while bringing a crime fiction buzz back to this great northern city. \nTickets are on a ‘pay what you can’ offer.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/crime-central-21/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Crime-Central-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260127T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260127T190000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20260115T163034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T163034Z
UID:12500-1769536800-1769540400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Temperance Movement: What Did #QuitLit Look Like 100 Years Ago?
DESCRIPTION:Long before today’s sober-curious conversations\, Bookstagram posts\, and bestselling quit-lit titles\, people were already using words\, stories\, and literature to challenge drinking culture. \nThis talk explores the original temperance movement\, which emerged as a powerful social force in the Northwest before sweeping across Britain and beyond. Drawing on historical examples\, it looks at how early temperance advocates used novels\, pamphlets\, tracts\, and personal stories to influence public opinion\, reshape attitudes to alcohol\, and support people in rethinking their relationship with drink. \nBy revisiting these early forms of “quit lit”\, the talk reveals striking parallels between 19th-century temperance literature and today’s modern sober narratives – showing that storytelling has long been a central tool in movements for change. \nWhether you’re interested in social history\, literature\, wellbeing\, or the contemporary sober movement\, this session offers a fascinating perspective on how the past continues to shape present-day conversations around alcohol. \nChaired – Yvonne Norris (Researcher\, PhD\, MMU) \nSpeaker – Dr Annmarie McAllister – expert and a leading scholar on the temperance movement \nAlongside a guest panel including leading voices from present-day sober communities from across the Northwest.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/the-temperance-movement-what-did-quitlit-look-like-100-years-ago/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Heritage,Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/m68983-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251213T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251213T143000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20251125T101041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T101041Z
UID:12145-1765632600-1765636200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:United in Rebellion: The Story of the Anti-Nazi League
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this talk inspired by Geoff Brown’s book\, ‘A People’s History of the Anti-Nazi League\, 1977-1981’. Discover how the Anti-Nazi League (ANL) emerged from the streets\, schools and music scenes of late 1970s Britain to confront racism and the far right. \nFree – book tickets here and click ‘Book Now’ below. \n  \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/united-in-rebellion-the-story-of-the-anti-nazi-league/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ANL-POSTER-cropped-for-LL.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251211T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251211T190000
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20251105T170003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T133816Z
UID:12058-1765476000-1765479600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Blooming in the West – Flowers from China
DESCRIPTION:In this talk\, Dr Fang ZONG will introduce some traditional garden plants of China and their journeys to the West. Their cultural symbolism\, presence in art and medical applications will also be discussed. The seasonal plants will be highlighted\, for example\, bamboo\, flowering plum and evergreen pine as the ‘Three Friends of Winter’. \nDr Fang ZONG was a biomedical academic researcher and tutor (PhD in Medical Science from the Karolinska Institute\, Sweden)\, and is now a museum professional\, providing research\, consultancy\, and curation of Chinese culture. She has been working at the Manchester Museum for more than 10 years and was part of the team which established the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery. She was personally awarded an Exceptional Performance Award by the University of Manchester in 2024. \nBook your tickets now. \nThis event is part of the Manchester Confucius Institute Public Talk Series. \nPhoto By Zhao Mengjian 趙孟堅 b. 1199 – d. circa 1264 Taipei: National Palace Museum.\, Public Domain
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/blooming-in-the-west-flowers-from-china/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Picture-1-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250923T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250923T184500
DTSTAMP:20261022T215828
CREATED:20250902T140613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T140613Z
UID:11682-1758648600-1758653100@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Not just any old iron! Evening Lecture
DESCRIPTION:Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. \nOur series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been going on behind the scenes. We’ve already heard about the work on our paintings\, mosaic flooring\, clock\, stained-glass windows\, organ\, furniture\, the Albert Memorial\, Albert Square and the original lighting. \nJoin us in Central Library for a chance to hear from Will Jones and Peter Meehan of Heritage Project Contracts. The lecture is free to attend but please book your place. \nIn this lecture we’ll be learning about the conservation\, preservation and restoration of historic ironwork\, some of which can be seen around the building: from the dizzying heights of the golden ball that tops our clock tower and cast iron brattishing on our complex series of roofs\, to the enormous – and very cumbersome – portcullis gates in the basement. \nTuesday 23 September2025\, The Performance Space\, Central Library \nSession #1 – 12.45pm arrival for a 1pm start (ends 2.15pm) \nSession #2 – 5.15pm arrival for a 5.30pm start (ends 6.45pm) \nThe lecture is free but you’ll need to book your ticket online.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/not-just-any-old-iron-evening-lecture/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TH-Clocktower-Exterior-Spire-Town-Hall-7937-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR