Get ready to celebrate Fun Palaces weekend at Central Library with a whole afternoon dedicated to the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar! Join us for an afternoon of traditional Chinese music, interactive workshops and lantern-making with Manchester Confucius Institute, Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music and more. Programme: […]
** CANCELLED ** Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. ****** Joseph Dawson and Cristo Harijan present: an afternoon of European Folk Suites Joseph Dawson and Cristo Harijan would like to welcome you to an afternoon of folk-inspired suites for cello and piano from some of Europe's […]
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Manchester’s Civic Week with a spectacular showcase of the best of our city’s heritage as industrial powerhouse and modern icon of global communities! Discover the History of Civic Week 1926 - 2026 Archives Exhibition (Ground Floor) 125 years of Manchester Tramways exhibition - explore the history of Manchester's electric tramways […]
The ReUnion is a powerful live performance celebrating the Cultural Heritage, Music and Memories of the cast consisting of women of African/Caribbean descent who are honoured to be 'Embracing Their Next Chapter' and incorporating their lived experiences. It explores identity, belonging, resilience and joy all whilst acknowledging the realities of racism in everyday life and […]
Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. Learn English, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. Open to all levels. Free - book your free place here or click 'Book Now' below Please […]
Calling all chess players! Head to our handling tables area and put your skills to the test. Meet other players and meet your match at this informal and fun drop-in session with other chess enthusiasts. Part of the Cultural Welcome Week at Central Library. Open to all ages and abilities. Free - drop in Please […]
Take to the decks and learn to DJ this November! Come down to the Henry Watson Music Library for our latest relaxed, beginner‑friendly Vinyl DJ workshop. Led by vinyl DJ and host Maimuna (DJ MuMu), this session is all about connection, creativity, and enjoying music together in a friendly, social setting. You’ll learn the basics of […]
Kylie Minogue is one of the world's most successful pop stars, and in his new book, Can't Get You Out of My Head, music journalist Michael Cragg takes us on a hugely entertaining journey from her early days on Ramsey Street to her current status as global icon. We're thrilled to be welcoming Michael to Manchester […]
Calling all students! Get to know your Central Library inside out with this behind the scenes tour. 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? What do George […]
Are you a wizard at Ticket to Ride? A fan of tableau building games? Come along a special Cultural Welcome Week edition of our free weekly boardgames sessions. Open to all ages and abilities. Free - drop in Part of the Cultural Welcome Week programme at Central Library. Please make a donation to support our […]
Brought to you by the Windrush prize in collaboration with Dr Kate Dorney, Senior lecturer in drama at Manchester University. Join us for our fifth workshop! We're taking it to Manchester, where we'll be offering practical playwriting tips, advice on story and structure, writing resources, and guidance on how to apply. Meet fellow British Caribbean […]
Join us for a hands-on music production and DJ workshop at Central Library this October. Part of our Cultural Welcome Week programme. Welcome back your host and tutor Niah Jemijog for a 2 hour session designed to be an accessible, creative, and engaging tutorial for all experience levels. This small group session will cover the […]
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
