What's on

Gaia Vince in Conversation

Performance Space

EVENT POSTPONED: Please note that due to travel disruptions we are having to postpone this event. Details of the new date will be confirmed shortly and our box office will be in touch with customers to offer a ticket transfer or refund. ‘Have no doubt, we are facing a species emergency – but we can […]

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Simon Armitage

Performance Space

‘Perhaps have something that the poems don’t. Or perhaps they don’t have something that the poems do’. Where do song lyrics and poetry converge? Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has always been inspired as much by music as he is the written or spoken word. His latest book Never Good With Horses collects Simon’s musical outpourings, from the […]

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Karl Ove Knausgaard in Conversation

Performance Space

Karl Ove Knausgaard, author of My Struggle, ‘the greatest literary invention of the 21st century’, makes his MLF debut to discuss his dazzling new novel The Wolves of Eternity (translated by Martin Aitkin). In Southern Norway in 1986, Syvert Løyning returns home from military service and discovers letters to his late father which lead him to the Soviet Union. In […]

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Decolonising My Body with Afua Hirsch

Performance Space

We’re channelling our ancestors, crediting our ancestors, claiming we are our ancestors “wildest dreams”, and cautioning against our ancestors’ deepest nightmares.’ As she turned forty, broadcaster and journalist Afua Hirsch set out to reconnect with her heritage and apply what she learned to her body. Through puberty rituals to body hair to waist beads to […]

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Lisa Nandy

Performance Space

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT ‘I am determined that we seize this moment and rise to meet the challenge of our age: to build a country in which everyone has a stake and a contribution to make.’ In her first book, All In: How we build a country that works, Lisa Nandy sets out a way in which we can […]

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Monica Heisey & Sheena Patel

Performance Space

Two of fiction’s rising stars discuss their brilliant debut novels, strong women characters, narrative voice, the perils of modern love and relationships, and how we present ourselves in the physical and digital worlds. Monica Heisey is a writer and comedian from Toronto. She has written for television shows including Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms. Her astute and wildly funny debut […]

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creative:connection

Performance Space

In partnership with Create, disabled and non-disabled students from Manchester and Salford schools come together to create, build connections and break down barriers. Working with top class musicians they will write and perform original songs inspired by the theme ‘Speak Up!’ at this celebratory event. Presented by Manchester Literature Festival. Tickets FREE – booking advised […]

Zebra Tribe Comic Book Festival

Performance Space

Black (African Caribbean and mixed heritage) creatives will get together and showcase their talent. Come along and listen to speakers Corey Brotherson, UK comic creator, and Yomi Ayeni, historic comic creator. There will also be writing workshops for young people and adults, and creative activities for families. An UBUNTU Festival of Events activity in collaboration […]

The Welcome Roadshow

Performance Space

Get ready Greater Manchester! The Welcome Roadshow is coming to Manchester Central Library on Monday the 23rd this October half term, bringing the magic of dance, circus skills and craft workshops. We're visiting all 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester, offering FREE workshops. It's not just about honing your dance, circus and craft skills; it's about connecting with your […]

Cosy Club

Children's Library

A cosy evening of independent reading for 8 to 11-year-olds. We’ll build dens, decorate our own cosy reading nooks and settle down for an evening of independent reading and escapism – hot chocolate included! You’ll get all the tips, tricks and kit to build your own home-reading den. Part of ‘Take 10 Week’, supporting mental […]

Word Central with special guest Jolivia Gaston

Performance Space

Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word  Presented by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press Celebrating Black History Month Tuesday 24th October, 6pm Free entry Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Jolivia Gaston Book your open mic slot from noon on Tues 10th October via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk NB Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer […]

Spooky Sunday: Horrible Family Halloween Party!

Central Library opens its doors to little spooks and ghouls for a fun-filled family spectacular. Fearsome face painters, spooky silent disco, creepy crafts and maybe a few treats and scary surprises. Fancy dress is absolutely encouraged. So dust down your capes, polish your broomsticks and enjoy a spooktacular evening filled with ghoulish delights! £10 per […]

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