What's on

aAh! Magazine X Lights Up Exhibition

Wolfson Reading Room

In 2024, Manchester was crowned the first ever European Capital of Cycling, recognising the city’s commitment to making cycling safer and more accessible for all. As part of International Women’s Day, the aAh! Magazine X Lights Up Exhibition celebrates the achievements of women in cycling and explores themes of women’s empowerment, inclusivity, representation and visibility […]

IMLD 25: The Rising Sun documentary film screening

Performance Space

“We had dreams, goals, prospects, and we were working towards them…Everything was perfect! And now…” No family, no home, no language… The Rising Sun is a documentary about a happy life that was destroyed by Russia, leaving darkness, uncertainty and fear ahead. This is the heart breaking story of a young woman who, with her […]

Celebrating the Manchester Corinthians

Performance Space

The pioneering Manchester Corinthians women’s football team was established during 1948-49. They toured the globe promoting the sport, Manchester and female endeavour at a time when women’s football was banned by the Football Association. Experiencing tours to Portugal, Germany, South America, North Africa, Italy, France and Spain during the 1950s to 1970s, the Corinthians also […]

Free

Women’s Community Festival 2025

Performance Space

International Women’s Day (IWD) is returning to Manchester as a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 8 March. Led and inspired by an already significant history of pioneering women, IWD 2025 is a chance for women across all generations and dedicated allies to come together […]

IMLD 25: How to Make a Tank Disappear – Screening

Performance Space

At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, in one Ukrainian village, a story took place that spread around the world. Even the Polish president tweeted about it. Local Roma people stole a Russian tank. One fine day, one high-tech combat vehicle became less without a single shot. There was a tank, and it swam […]

Emma Barnett

Performance Space

'I am writing this because I think another woman will need to read it.' Broadcaster, author and journalist, Emma Barnett joins us to discuss her honest, relatable and funny new book Maternity Service. Written in real time after the birth of her second child, Emma draws parallels between lockdown and maternity leave before exploring the challenges […]

Bill Leader Celebration

Henry Watson Music Library

Bill Leader Celebration, with readings, live music and discussion panels. Guests confirmed include 2024 winner of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards (‘Best Singer’ category) Rioghnach Connelly, Oldham ballad singer Jennifer Reid, UK/South African folk duo Nastee Chapel, Liverpudlian shanty singer Andy Kenna and topical songsmith Stanley Accrington. Further names are yet to be announced. […]

Mystery International Film Screening

Performance Space

Welcome to the second edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: • Doors open: 17:15 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the […]

Word Central with guest poet Lateral G!

Performance Space

Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Tuesday 25th March, 6.00pm – 7.45pm Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Lateral G. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 11th March via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential […]

Black British Book Festival Manchester

The Black British Book Festival is set to return to Manchester Central Library next year following a successful event at Manchester Central Library in September 2023. The festival will bring the incredible energy, culture and celebration of Black British literature to the city on Saturday 29th March 2025. It is another incredible opportunity to connect with […]

French Film Club: L’Année du Requin

Performance Space

Alliance Française de Manchester present this month’s film, ‘L’Année du Requin’. Maja, a maritime police officer in the Landes region, faces her worst nightmare coming true: retiring early! Thierry, her husband, has already planned the camping spot and the mobile home. However, the disappearance of a holiday-maker puts the entire coast on alert: a shark […]

Mystery International Film Night

Performance Space

Welcome to the voting page for the third edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: Monday 14 April 2025 • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:30 • Film starts: 17:40 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café! At the […]