What's on

Word Central

Performance Space

Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word presented by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press Tues 25th October, 6.00pm - 7.30pm (doors open 5.30pm) Free entry Hosted by Tony Curry with guest poet Stevie Turner Book your open mic slot from noon on Tues 11th October via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk NB Open mic slots are 3 minutes […]

History of Carnival Workshops by Linford Sweeney

Performance Space

The history of Caribbean Carnivals is much more complex than many realise.  Carnival has origins based in colonialism and religious conversion, but it has now become a festival and celebration tied to freedom and emancipation from slavery.  Learn about how established African-Caribbean communities transferred the traditions associated with carnival to Manchester as we explore the […]

We Are Carnival! Party

Performance Space

Explore historical carnival memories through archives via an exhibition, film provided by North West Film Archive, music by Manchester Carnival affiliated DJ and host Kemoy Walker, a family arts workshop by local artist Tina Ramos Ekongo, spoken word performances by Young Identity and delicious Caribbean food courtesy of Buzzrocks Caribbean Restaurant. Book via www.racearchive.org.uk/events/black-history-month/

Manchester Loving Earth Project – Textile Exhibition

Ground Floor

This exhibition of over 70 Loving Earth Project textile panels will be at six city centre venues in Manchester. Central Library is one of these venues and has 10 panels on display. Each panel is individually crafted and depicts places, creatures and other things that the maker loves, but which are threatened by growing climate […]

Dominic Berry & John Darwin Book Launch

Performance Space

Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries invite you to the book launch of new poetry collections of two of Manchester's finest. John Darwin: Ultrasilence From the provincial peccadilloes of Prestwich in Manchester to coffee houses and bars by the Bosporus in İstanbul, John Darwin explores life’s three stages of arriving, staying for a bit, and then […]

Crime Central

Performance Space

Crime Central returns in November with three more amazing writers! Lauren North - writes psychological suspense novels that delve into the darker side of relationships and families. Lauren’s love of psychological suspense has grown since childhood and from her dark imagination of always wondering what’s the worst thing that could happen in every situation. Roger Price - […]

£2 – £8

Launch of the Grass Roots Books Archive

Archives+ Ground Floor

Grass Roots Books was Manchester's radical bookshop from 1971 to 1990, becoming the largest outside London and a worker's co-operative. Former workers have collected memories and archive material about it. At this launch you will have the chance to see radical books and ephemera from the period. Archive material will also be on display in the library throughout […]

Cosgrove Hall Classics & Lupus Films on Loop

Performance Space

Join Manchester Animation Festival for a selection of special free animation screenings on loop. Jump into classics from the iconic Manchester studio Cosgrove Hall such as Danger Mouse & The Wind in the Willows; and family favourites from Lupus Films like The Snowman and The Snowdog, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came To Tea. 14 November, 1–7pm […]

Animated Immersive Experiences

Performance Space

As part of Manchester Animation Festival 2022, some of the best immersive animated films and experiences from around the world are on offer. This programme is full of virtual reality and 360 films that showcase brave new worlds for animation fans to explore. 14 November, 1–7pm 15 November, 12 noon–7pm 16 November, 10am–7pm 17 November, […]

Male beauty vlogging in China: a masculinities perspective

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 […]

Fly On The Wall Press Christmas Celebrations!

Performance Space

Come celebrate four years of northern indie publishing with Fly on the Wall Press - bring your best Xmas outfit for a chance to win a prize! The four year celebration of Fly on the Wall Press invites all members of the public both new and much-loved to be a part of our Christmas antics […]

Free – £16.76

Explore Your Archives Week film screening

Performance Space

Film screening of Two and a Half Questions, followed by Q&A with director Clovis Lowe and producer Marsha Lowe. How has your race shaped your life and dreams? Two and a Half Questions is an exploration of the lives and aspirations of the Windrush generation and those who came after them. Working with a group […]