What's on

Local Community History Month-Archives+ Workshop

Ground Floor

Learn how to use local maps, street directories, censuses and various other archives to identify a local person - Free - please drop in  Other Local Community History Month events include: 1921 Census talk by Leslie Turner (free) - Friday 26 May, 11am - Book your place here Handling session - Rates and Electoral Registers […]

Writing Workshop with Anjum Malik

Performance Space

Join Manchester UNESCO City of Literature Multilingual City Poet Anjum Malik for a celebration of South Asian culture. Combining rich conversation, classical Indian dance and poetry (plus samosas), the award-winning Anjum Malik shines a spotlight on the vibrant legacy of South Asian communities in Manchester and beyond in an interactive workshop for participants of all […]

Holiday Activity Fund Activities

Performance Space

Are you looking for something to do this summer which is fun, free and fantastic? We have lots of creative activities happening, and all participants get a free lunch! Suitable for ages 10-16 years. Sessions run on the following dates: Thursday 3 August Tuesday 8 August Thursday 10 August Monday 14 August Wednesday 16 August […]

Musical Theatre Workshop

Performance Space

Join Manchester Libraries for a super summer musical theatre workshop, brought to you in partnership with the Palace Theatre & Manchester Opera House. Sessions include a 2-hour practical musical theatre and movement session led by industry professionals. You can also explore the beautiful Palace Theatre on a backstage tour and ask any questions you have […]

Black British Book Festival on Tour

“Manchester has been unveiled as one of cities taking centre stage in a summer tour to celebrate the Black British Book Festival this year. In its third year the Black British Book Festival is Europe’s largest celebration of black literature and a fast-growing and a widely acclaimed event showcasing black authors and providing a platform […]

Mika Karhumaa: Unlocking the Secrets of Modern Music Business Management

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 […]

Snowflakes and Symmetry Workshop

Archives+ Ground Floor

Mathematician Katie Steckles and illustrator Hana Ayoob will help you design your own mathematically accurate snowflake artwork, incorporating design ideas from traditional shapes and patterns. All materials and equipment will be provided. Free - book tickets here

Design workshop with Oliver East

Chief Librarian's Office

An interactive design workshop using simple and accessible research methods and tools to explore the library as a resource. Free - booking required

Love Stories etc Festival

Performance Space

A Celebration of Modern Romantic Fiction. Welcome to the first Love Stories etc Festival. The one-day Romance Festival will be held at the stunning Manchester Central Library and will feature 28 bestselling romance authors as part of a huge celebration of modern romantic fiction. Authors and publishers across the UK will be gathering in Manchester […]

£30.00 – £40.00

See My World: Connected Fragments-Art(s)cool Workshop

Performance Space

A chance to create your own piece of Canvas Artworks with one of the featured artists in the exhibition, 'DOU'. Come and explore how our worlds are connected through stories of history, heritage and culture. For all ages. Free, booking recommended. Please email alessia.benedetti@manchester.gov.uk

A Day in The Afterlife: Francesca Beard Workshop

Chief Librarian's Office

Acclaimed poet and creative facilitator Francesca Beard will lead a workshop inspired by the work of cult writer Philip K Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?). In this playful, hands-on session, participants will use poetic and improvisational story-telling techniques to create text that explores big philosophical questions such as ‘What does it mean to […]

Your Local Arena presents A Day in The Afterlife

Performance Space

Join us for a rare screening of the 1994 Arena documentary A Day in The Afterlife about cult author Philip K Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?). Afterwards, see writers Kate Feld, David Hartley and Irenosen Okojie discuss his speculative / science fiction and imagination. Poet Francesca Beard will also perform a new commission inspired by his […]