Male beauty vlogging in China: a masculinities perspective
2022-11-22 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Performance Space
Male beauty vlogging is flourishing in China despite fears of a masculinity ‘crisis’, sissyphobia and LGBT crackdowns. Key questions arise: To what extent does male beauty vlogging challenge the notion of a crisis of masculinity and offer new, positive gender expressions for men? To what extent does it reinforce hierarchical and oppressive formations of gender and sexuality? This talk, part of a series of talks from the Confucius Institute at the University of Manchester, analyses three male beauty vloggers’ promotion of a ‘fake-natural look for straight men’ involving non-visible makeup and examines another vlogger’s critique of the feminization of visible makeup-wearing men.
Free – book here

In the City Exhibition – Talk by Richard Davis
2023-02-01 18:15 - 19:30 | Performance Space
In The City is a collection of Manchester images taken by photographer Richard Davis over the last 35 Years. Join Richard for this talk about the exhibtion that centres around Richard’s love of art, music, culture and football. From the heady days of Madchester, right through to the dynamism of the present day, the excitement and diversity of city life helping to inspire and motivate his work. Hulme plays a major role throughout the exhibition; it’s where Richard set up a studio and darkroom in his Charles Barry Crescent flat during the late 1980’s. The area became a rich source of creativity and a backdrop for many of his photographs. The exhibition also highlights the many books, records and films that influenced his approach to photography.
About Richard Davis…
Richard Davis (born 1965) is a British, social documentary and portrait photographer, based in North West England. His work has been promoted and exhibited by the British Culture Archive and renowned photography publishers, Café Royal Books. A series of Davis’ photographs of Hulme Crescents, from the 1980’s are currently held at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library which is part of the University of Manchester.
This talk is free (‘book now’ below), but please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme if you can, either online, or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Conserving Manchester Town Hall's Heritage: Mosaic Restoration
2023-02-15 11:00 | Performance Space
WEDNESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY AT CENTRAL LIBRARY
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 heritage features.
Our 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 of Hirst Conservation, who are working on our paintings and now we’ll be taking a closer look at the mosaic flooring.
Featuring experts from Mosaic Restoration, the specialist mosaic restorers and conservators will describe the work they’ve done to date on site, including the preservation and safeguarding of the many corridors of mosaic flooring and – of course – the iconic Bees Landing.
Join us in Central Library for a chance to hear direct from the Mosaic Restoration experts and find out just what it’s like to bring 21st century conservation skills to the Our Town Hall Project.
The lecture is free to attend.
Session 1: 12.30pm arrival for a 1pm start and 2.15pm finish
Session 2: 5pm arrival for a 5.30pm start and 6.45pm finish

Crime Central
2023-02-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Crime Central is back with a bang on Thursday 16th February!
Joining your wonderful host Rob Parker will be…
Lia Middleton, author of the massive debut thriller ‘When They Find Her’. Her new novel ‘Your Word or Mine’ came out in September 2022 to more rave reviews!
Elliot Sweeney, who’s debut novel is entitled ‘The Next to Die’. The first in an intended series, narrated by ex-copper turned P.I. Dylan Kasper.
Sam Tobin, grew up in Manchester and quickly came to realise he was living in the best city in the world. His second novel in the ‘Manchester Underworld’ series: ‘Pay The Price’ was published in January 2023.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets for this event are on a “pay what you can” basis. They range from £2 – £8 plus the Eventbrite booking fee.
All tickets allow the same access to the event. This is a just a pricing system to accommodate for individual financial circumstances.
Signed books will be available to purchase after the event.

Section 28 - 35 years on in Manchester
2023-02-20 17:00 | Performance Space
This year marks 35 years since the protest against Section 28 in Manchester. Join organisers and attendees from the time to hear more. The event forms part of LGBT History month 2023. It aims to provide insight into a specific period of LGBT history (1987-2003) in which the demonstration in Manchester was highly significant, and which gained national recognition at the time. It will be an opportunity for those who were there organising the demonstration in 1988 to talk about the climate and their experience. There will be an introductory presentation on Section 28, covering the build up to its inception, and why it caused so much controversy and protest. This element recognises that the legislation has been off the statute books for a generation now, and so an explanation will both help to understand the clause as well as the impact it had. There will also be an opportunity for questions from the audience to the speakers, and a closing section focusing on the future.
Free – book via link below

Crime Central April 2023
2023-04-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets for this event are on a “pay what you can” basis.They range from £2 – £8 plus the Eventbrite booking fee.
All tickets allow the same access to the event. This is a just a pricing system to accommodate for individual financial circumstances.
Signed books will be available to purchase after the event.

Photographing the Invisible with Jill Furmanovsky & Jon Savage
2023-05-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Join Jill in this special talk with Professor Jon Savage from the British Pop Archive, talking archives, curating Photographing the Invisible and the difficulty of choosing what to leave out.
Professor of Popular Culture at the University of Manchester, Jon Savage is is an award winning author and film writer. His books include England’s Dreaming: Sex Pistols and Punk Rock and This Searing Light: The Oral History of Joy Division. Films include the BAFTA winning The Brian Epstein Story, Teenage and Joy Division.
For the last 50 years, Jill Furmanovsky has been photographing music’s greatest icons. Covering live performance to location and studio her subjects have ranged from a pre-teen Michael Jackson to Billie Eilish on the Glastonbury stage. Jill’s retrospective Photographing the Invisible’, here at Central Library until 24 June, displays some of her most famous works and hidden gems from her extensive archive.
Attendees will be invited to look around the exhibition, on the first floor, following the talk before the library closes at 8pm.
Free – booking required – please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in the venue, or online

Conserving Manchester Town Hall's heritage: Restoring the Town Hall Clock. Afternoon Session.
2023-05-30 13:00 - 14:15 | Performance Space
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 heritage features.
Our 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 and mosaic flooring; now it’s time to turn our attention to the magnificent clock that has kept time above the city since New Year’s Day in 1879.
Having maintained our timepiece for over 25 years, the Cumbria Clock Co have gathered a wealth of history about it. They’ll describe the work they’ve done to date and how they removed the mechanics to their workshops for repair, conservation, and precision monitoring. The repair of the carillon is already underway, and they’ll include some detail about that too.
Join us in Central Library for a chance to hear direct from the Cumbria Clocks team and find out just what it’s like to bring 21st century conservation skills to the Our Town Hall Project. The lecture is free to attend but please book your place.
AFTERNOON SESSION AT 1PM

Conserving Manchester Town Hall’s heritage: Restoring the Town Hall Clock. Evening Session
2023-05-30 17:30 - 18:45 | Performance Space
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 heritage features.
Our 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 and mosaic flooring; now it’s time to turn our attention to the magnificent clock that has kept time above the city since New Year’s Day in 1879.
Having maintained our timepiece for over 25 years, the Cumbria Clock Co have gathered a wealth of history about it. They’ll describe the work they’ve done to date and how they removed the mechanics to their workshops for repair, conservation, and precision monitoring. The repair of the carillon is already underway, and they’ll include some detail about that too.
Join us in Central Library for a chance to hear direct from the Cumbria Clocks team and find out just what it’s like to bring 21st century conservation skills to the Our Town Hall Project. The lecture is free to attend but please book your place.
EVENING SESSION AT 5.30PM

Inspired by Libraries: Linda Brogan
2023-06-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Join us for this in conversation event with award winning playwright and artist, Linda Brogan. Linda will be discussing how her pursuit of memories led to the excavation of the Reno Club, renowned in the 1970s for being the best soul and funk club in Manchester and a space for young mixed-race Mancunians who often weren’t welcome elsewhere; an exhibition at The Whitworth; and now a book, 12 Words, published by Bluemoose Books. Authors Carmen, Tia and Catherine were part of the 2016 Reno excavation that took place 30 years after the club was demolished and have written 12 Words alongside Linda, in the process unlocking truths, secrets and confessions.
Please note that these tickets are available on a Pay What You Can basis, either £2/6/10 ticket options are available

Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal, History and Preservation
2023-07-19 10:30 - 17:00 | Performance Space
We are delighted to welcome Paul Hindle to talk to us again. This time Paul’s talk will take us through the history and restoration of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal which, like most canals, fell into disuse some years ago. The building of the canal would have been a great achievement in its time, involved a huge workforce and probably required some ingenious engineering solutions along the way. Any restoration must have been equally difficult and required considerable funds and many manhours. Join us on this Wednesday morning to hear the full story.

Urmston, Flixton and Davyhulme: A Postcard Heritage
2023-07-19 13:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
Postcard collecting is still a popular hobby or a means of finding out more about a locality, but it is probably rare, these days, to receive a postcard through the post. Indeed, we could argue that postcard-news would be old news by time we received it, these days. However, many of us might have noticed postcards amongst house clearances, and they are just as likely to say ‘see you tomorrow’ as ‘wish you were here’. Some of us might remember when postcard postage was less than letter postage. Speaker, Michael Billington, seems to have a hoard postcards, so join us on this Wednesday afterrnon to hear all about them.

Crime Central
2023-07-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space

Elizabeth Raffald - England's Most Influential Housekeeper
2023-09-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Manchester-based historian Neil Buttery presents a talk about the rise & fall of one of Britain’s most influential cookery writers, Elizabeth Raffald.
Join historian Neil to explore the life, times and legend of the great Elizabeth Raffald of Manchester. Elizabeth was once a household name, and her list of accomplishments would make even the highest of achievers feel suddenly impotent. After becoming the housekeeper at Arley Hall in Cheshire at age twenty-five, she married and moved to Manchester, transforming the Manchester food scene and business community, writing the first A to Z directory and creating the first domestic servant’s registry office, the first temping agency if you will. Not only that, she set up a cookery school and ran a high-class tavern attracting both gentry and nobility. She reputedly gave birth to sixteen daughters, wrote a book on midwifery and was an effective exorciser of evil spirits.
These achievements gave her notoriety and standing in Manchester, but they all pale in comparison to her biggest achievement; her cookery book The Experienced English Housekeeper. Published in 1769, it ran to over twenty editions and brought her fame and fortune. But her great rise was followed by a tumultuous fall, dying at the age of 46. Her book, however, lived on. Influential and often imitated (but never bettered), it became the must-have volume for any kitchen, shaping our modern food culture.
Alongside the talk, there will be an opportunity to view some of the library’s Elizabeth Raffald archive, including that famous book of hers.
Free – booking required

Crime Central
2023-09-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
As the nights get darker, Crime Central returns with three amazing authors and three new books to chill your bones. Rob Parker welcomes Fiona Erskine, Luca Veste and Neil Broadfoot to Central Library!

Fiona Erskine
Engineer by day, writer by night.
Fiona was born in Edinburgh, and grew up playing guitar, riding motorbikes and jumping into cold water. After studying Chemical Engineering at University she learned to weld, cast and machine with apprentices in Paisley before working internationally as a professional engineer. She is now based in the north east of England.
Her latest novel, Phosphate Rocks: A Death in Ten Objects is published by Sandstone Press in June 2021.
Fiona’s debut novel, The Chemical Detective (2019), was shortlisted for the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award. Her second thriller in the Jaq Silver series, The Chemical Reaction (2020), was shortlisted for the Staunch Prize.

Luca Veste
Luca Veste is a writer of Italian and Liverpudlian heritage, married with two young daughters, and one of nine children. He studied psychology and criminology at university in Liverpool. He is the author of the Murphy and Rossi series, which includes DEAD GONE, THE DYING PLACE, BLOODSTREAM, and THEN SHE WAS GONE.
Part psychological thriller, part police procedural, his books follow the detective pairing of DI David Murphy and DS Laura Rossi. The novels are set in Liverpool, bringing the city to life in a dark and terrifying manner…with just a splash of Scouse humour.
“Astringent and artfully constructed.” The Financial Times
“A darkly impressive novel… disturbing and intelligent.” The Times
“A chilling début from a writer to watch…” Mark Billingham
“Gripping, unpredictable, genuinely shocking and impossible to put down, Dead Gone is a remarkable début.” Steve Mosby
“A twisty, psychological crime debut in a gritty setting: a new favourite for police procedural lovers” Clare Mackintosh
“Tense and darkly playful.” Chris Ewan
He is a former civil servant, actor, singer and guitarist (although he still picks it up now and again), and now a full-time writer.

Neil Broadfoot
“Neil should be better known and more widely read. A true rising star of crime fiction.”
– Ian Rankin
Neil Broadfoot worked as a journalist for 15 years at both national and local newspapers, including The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and the Evening News, covering some of the biggest stories of the day.
Falling Fast, which was shortlisted for the Dundee International Book Prize, is the first in the Edinburgh-set McGregor and Drummond series of thrillers.
His Stirling-set series, which begins with No Man’s Land and features close protection expert Connor Fraser, has been hailed as “tense, fast moving and bloody” and “atmospheric, twisty and explosive” with a “complex cast of characters and a compelling hero”. No Man’s Land was longlisted for the 2019 McIlvanney Award.

Behind The Scenes Tours at Manchester Central Library
2023-10-26 18:00 - 2023-11-23 19:30
What do George V, Gypsy Rose Lee and Bernard Bresslaw have in common?
Which musician was once thrown out of the Language and Literature Library?
What would you find now in the space where Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren – amongst many others – played their first roles?
All 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 90 minutes and include the chance to see some of our rarest treasures and archives.
The dates for the next tours are –
Thursday 26th October 2023
Thursday 23rd November 2023
Places are strictly limited so please book early.
Please meet in the main entrance (Shakespeare Hall) of Central Library from 5.45pm. The tour starts at 6pm.

How Manchester Made Shakespeare Modern – Rosa Grindon, the Suffragist Shakespearean Scholar
2023-11-08 18:00 - 19:00
With Dr. Monika Smialkowska and Dr. Ian Nickson.
Never previously recounted, Dr. Monika Smialkowska and Dr. Ian Nickson chart Rosa Grindon’s journey from modest beginnings in a Derbyshire village to becoming a leading figure in literary and theatrical circles in Manchester, a ground-breaking Shakespearean scholar and, as a Suffragist, an outspoken champion of women’s rights. For example, her response to women being forbidden membership of many of the city’s societies, was to resurrect Lydia Becker’s Manchester Ladies Literary Society to which she invited the leading Shakespearean actors Henry Irving and Ellen Terry to speak.
Grindon was a bold and innovative scholar who challenged the largely male-dominated interpretations of female figures in Shakespeare’s plays and pioneered theatrical outreach by delivering lectures in association with Richard Flanagan’s Shakespearean revivals at the Prince’s Theatre. Such was her standing that she was the first woman to be invited to speak at the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford-in-Avon.
After the First World War, she led the preparations for Manchester’s Shakespeare Tercentenary Celebrations in 1916 and funded the Shakespeare Window in the Central Library via a bequest in her Will.

Conserving Our Town Hall's heritage: Pulling out all the stops – restoring the Town Hall organ
2023-11-16 13:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
AFTERNOON SESSION 1PM
EVENING SESSION 5.30PM
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 heritage features. Our 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 and stained-glass windows; now it’s time to turn our attention to the restoration of the magnificent organ in the Great Hall.
As an important part of the Our Town Hall project, the organ will be restored as its builder (Cavaillé-Coll) originally intended. The work will be undertaken jointly, by Nicholson & Co of Malvern, and Flentrop Orgelbouw, of the Netherlands.
Andrew Caskie, Managing Director of Nicholson & Co, will deliver this lecture.
Join us in Central Library for a chance to hear direct from the organ building firms involved and find out just what it’s like to bring 21st century conservation skills to the Our Town Hall Project. The lecture is free to attend but please book your place.

Mika Karhumaa: Unlocking the Secrets of Modern Music Business Management
2023-11-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Henry Watson Music Library
Unlocking the Secrets of Modern Music Business Management
Join us for an engaging exploration of the cutting-edge strategies and principles that drive success in the contemporary music industry.Overview:In this dynamic lecture, we delve into the fascinating world of modern music business management. Discover the innovative concepts and techniques that are reshaping the music industry and learn how they can be applied to elevate your career or business to new heights.Key Topics:The Three-Pillar Approach: Explore the transformative power of the three pillars: Modern Music Business Management Framework, Passive Promotion Mechanism, and Story Rooting and Strategic Planting.Real-World Case Studies: Dive into real-life examples and success stories from the music industry, showcasing the practical application of our strategies.Global Perspectives: Gain insights into international best practices and global trends that are shaping the music business landscape.Q&A Session: Engage with our expert speaker in a lively Q&A session, where you can seek personalized advice and clarification on music business topics.Why Attend:Cutting-Edge Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest strategies and tactics driving success in the music industry.Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow music enthusiasts and professionals in a collaborative environment.Practical Takeaways: Leave with actionable insights and ideas to implement immediately.
Material:
The lectures are based on Mika Karhumaa’s The Art of Music Business Management – For Artists & Managers book
Free – drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Crime Central with Louise Swanson, Jose Carlos Somoza & Simon Michael!
2023-11-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Manchester Libraries, Blackwells Books and Instituto Cevantes present
A Cracking Crime Central Christmas Special!!
Rob Parker welcomes Louise Swanson, Simon Michael and Jose Carlos Somoza!
Bringing the best from all over!
Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country – the big names are all coming to Manchester!
Go behind the scenes!
Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the crime world.
Meet your favourite authors!
With giveaways, audience interaction, book signings, the chance to ask questions and more – while bringing a crime fiction buzz back to this great northern city.
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets for this event are on a “pay what you can” basis.They range from £2 – £8 plus the Eventbrite booking fee.
All tickets allow the same access to the event. This is a just a pricing system to accommodate for individual financial circumstances.
Signed books will be available to purchase after the event.

A Monumental Effort: Restoring the Albert Memorial Afternoon Lecture
2024-05-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
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 heritage features.
Our 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 and furniture. Now it’s time to turn our attention outside of the building to the iconic Albert Memorial in Albert Square.
Strictly speaking, the memorial is quite separate. It was built and completed well before the Town Hall, predating it by a decade. But the Our Town Hall Project encompasses the public realm too, and the decision was made – very early in the project – to include the Albert Memorial as part of it.
The first monument to commemorate Prince Albert, the Albert Memorial is an elaborate Gothic enclosure, protecting a marble statue of the Prince. The high levels of decoration on the 73’ high memorial represent his interests. There are portraits of famous men and the coats of arms of his dominions in Saxony. The memorial was created by Matthew Noble and completed in 1866.
Join us in Central Library for a chance to hear from our lead Architect, Jamie Coath from Purcell, and Steve Eccleshre from Bullen Conservation, the stonemasons currently working on the memorial’s restoration and repair.
The free lecture starts at 1pm and is repeated at 5.30pm Please book your place for either by clicking the links below:

1pm lecture. Doors open 12.30pm for a 1pm start (ends 2.15pm)
5.30pm lecture. Doors open 5pm for a 5.30 pm start (ends 6.45pm)

Slate Expectations - Restoring Our Town Hall's roof. Afternoon Lecture.
2024-09-26 13:00 - 14:15 | Performance Space
Slate Expectations – Restoring Our Town Hall’s roof
Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project. One of the most complicated elements of the entire building is the roof. Seen from above we get a better perspective of the scale and complexity of it. With 34 huge chimneys, plus towers, turrets and decorative elements, it has thrown up some real surprises and challenges.
This lecture will be given by Gareth Richings from Purcell, the project’s heritage architecture specialists. He’ll give us a detailed description of the roof’s original structure, discoveries that were made, how they approached the unknown elements and resulting surprises, and the progress and successes that are now being made.
One of the big things they are doing is making alterations to improve access. This will make the roof easier and safer to maintain in the future; an important contribution to the building’s sustainability and longevity.
Thursday 26 September 2024, The Performance Space, Central Library
Please book the afternoon or evening lecture.
12.45pm arrival for a 1pm start (ends 2.15pm)
The lecture is free but you’ll need to book your ticket online here.

Slate Expectations – Restoring Our Town Hall’s roof. Evening Lecture.
2024-09-26 17:30 - 18:45 | Performance Space
Slate Expectations – Restoring Our Town Hall’s roof

Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project. One of the most complicated elements of the entire building is the roof. Seen from above we get a better perspective of the scale and complexity of it. With 34 huge chimneys, plus towers, turrets and decorative elements, it has thrown up some real surprises and challenges.
This lecture will be given by Gareth Richings from Purcell, the project’s heritage architecture specialists. He’ll give us a detailed description of the roof’s original structure, discoveries that were made, how they approached the unknown elements and resulting surprises, and the progress and successes that are now being made.
One of the big things they are doing is making alterations to improve access. This will make the roof easier and safer to maintain in the future; an important contribution to the building’s sustainability and longevity.
Thursday 26 September 2024, The Performance Space, Central Library
5.15pm arrival for a 5.30pm start (ends 6.45pm)
The lecture is free but you’ll need to book your ticket online here.

Migration, Identity and History - Talk
2024-10-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Lwr Ground Floor – Manchester Histories Hub
To what extent through history has British identity been influenced by migration? An event with speakers, short film screening and discussion.
Speakers from the Migration Stories North West project will explore the nature of migrant identity throughout British history and the intersections between the history of migration and issues at the forefront of Black history. There will be an opportunity for open discussion about various perspectives, including questions such as:
· Why are stories of individuals so important for retelling and understanding history?
· What is the social and cultural potential for understanding our history through the lens of migration?
· How did colonialism affect migration?
· Are the migratory roots of various historical figures often overlooked or kept hidden?
· What do the stories from the project tell us about migration and human rights?
Contributing speakers for Migration, Identity and History
Kooj Chuhan of Crossing Footprints will be chairing the Migration, Identity and History event, and there will be a number of contributing speakers including:
Louise Wong is a community development worker at Wai Yin Society and has been serving the Chinese community for decades. She presents the “Dragons Voice” program on Radio AllFM for the Chinese community. Louise co-produced “Crossing the Borders” Chinese oral history project archived at Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Resource Centre which received the Alan Ball Award. She was one of the volunteer researchers for the Migration Stories North West project, researching and producing the story of Jou Lim along with fellow researcher Yichao Shi.
is a Community Development Worker at the Wai Yin Chinese Community Centre in Manchester, and is also a presenter for the The Dragons Voice Radio show on All FM community radio. She was one of the team of volunteer researchers for the Migration Stories North West project in Greater Manchester, researching and producing the story of Jou Lim along with fellow researcher Yichao Shi.
Washington Alcott is a local researcher and teacher specialising in African and Caribbean perspectives. His work includes economic and social history, migration, environment, cultural identities, Pan Africanism and has been an active member of many progressive community and activist groups for decades. He recently contributed to the Guardian’s ‘Cotton Capital’ series.
Washington has been following the Migration Stories North West project in Greater Manchester since it began.
Alison Fisher has worked as a teacher of English as an Additional Language in Bury since 1995. Recently she has worked for Fair Futures developing projects both in schools and in their building in the centre of Bury. Fair Futures are a Community Interest Company working with children, young people and families to promote successful learning and reduce barriers to education. Alison co-delivered workshops at The Derby High School for the Migration Stories North West project in Manchester.
Migration, Identity and History is an event by Crossing Footprints presented within the context of Black History Month, in partnership with Manchester Histories. A part of the Migration Stories Exhibition on show at Manchester Central Library from 3 October.
Free – please drop in

Crime Central Halloween Special!
2024-10-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Rob Parker and Manchester Libraries invite you to a CRIME CENTRAL SPOOKTACULAR!!
With Jo Callaghan, Graeme Cumming and Steve Kedie!
Bringing the best from all over!
Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country – the big names are all coming to Manchester!
Go behind the scenes!
Showcasing blockbuster bestsellers, emerging talent and industry insiders, Crime Central will share the real story of what goes on in the crime world.
Meet your favourite authors!
With giveaways, audience interaction, book signings, the chance to ask questions and more – while bringing a crime fiction buzz back to this great northern city

AFTERNOON LECTURE: Space Exploration – how we’re transforming Albert Square
2024-11-21 13:00 - 14:15 | Performance Space
AFTERNOON LECTURE

Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project.
One of the most obvious parts of the project will be the improvements to Albert Square. As well as pedestrianising almost all of it (just one section of road will remain, for the Metrolink tramlines) to create a 20% larger space, the work includes making all of the Town Hall’s entrances and exits accessible.
Prior to 2018, when we closed the building, only one of the many access points was available to anyone with reduced mobility.This lecture will be given jointly by Kevin Redhead and Matt Stirton from Planit, the project’s landscape architecture and urban design specialists, who are responsible for the work within the Town Hall’s public realm.

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EVENING LECTURE: Space Exploration – how we’re transforming Albert Square
2024-11-21 17:30 - 18:45 | Performance Space
EVENING LECTURE
Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project.
One of the most obvious parts of the project will be the improvements to Albert Square. As well as pedestrianising almost all of it (just one section of road will remain, for the Metrolink tramlines) to create a 20% larger space, the work includes making all of the Town Hall’s entrances and exits accessible.
Prior to 2018, when we closed the building, only one of the many access points was available to anyone with reduced mobility.This lecture will be given jointly by Kevin Redhead and Matt Stirton from Planit, the project’s landscape architecture and urban design specialists, who are responsible for the work within the Town Hall’s public realm.

Behind the Scenes Tour of Central Library
2024-11-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Entrance Hall
Which musician was once thrown out of the Language and Literature Library?
What would you find now in the space where Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren – amongst many others – played their first roles?
All 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 90 minutes and include the chance to see some of our rarest treasures and archives.
Places are strictly limited so please book early.
Please meet in the main entrance (Shakespeare Hall) of Central Library from 5.45pm. The tour starts at 6pm
Book tickets below

Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen
2024-12-04 17:30 - 19:00 | Lwr Ground Floor – Manchester Histories Hub
Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen: The Co-operators, the Peacemakers, and the Enigmas: Women in the SCR
Manchester Histories and Manchester Metropolitan University are delighted to host the Sam Johnson Memorial Lecture 2024 with Jane Rosen.
Discover the important roles women played in the foundation of the Society for Cultural Relations (SCR) with the USSR.
Jane Rosen is a Librarian and has worked in a number of specialist historical and cultural libraries including the Society for Co-operation in Russian and Soviet Studies and the Marx Memorial Library. Her latest publication is a centenary history of the Society for Co-operation in Russian and Soviet Studies.
Free – booking required via this Eventbrite link or clicking the ‘book now’ button underneath ‘related events’ below

A History of Pies and Puddings
2024-12-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
Explore the history of some our most beloved British foods with local food historian Neil Buttery: pies and puddings, from their rather posh origins to the present day, where they are beloved by all (and treated with suspicion by some). Both have a fascinating and rather convoluted history, and Neil will talk you through the rather surprising paths they have meandered through the centuries.
Neil will also present some of his research on regional foods: Manchester pudding, Yorkshire pudding haggis and Cornish pasties (expect a bombshell!) as well as some foods which were eaten all year round but are associated with Christmas today, including plum pudding and mince pies.

Tickets are free and available to book below.
