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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251126T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20251127T153720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T143117Z
UID:12209-1764144000-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Great Hall Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:Manchester Town Hall closed in January 2018 and work then began on a labour of love: a once-in-a-lifetime chance to repair\, protect and update this architectural masterpiece for future generations. The Great Hall is the Town Hall’s centrepiece. It includes a huge variety of conservation and restoration projects and is a great example of the work we’re doing throughout the building. Our approach to the unique elements of this  space reflects the level of care needed for the whole project. This exhibition looks at just three details of the Great Hall to tell some of the story of the Our Town Hall project. \n\n\nFree – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/the-great-hall-exhibition/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor Exhibition Space
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-250430-MCC-DSC_0166-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260212T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260129T083202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T083306Z
UID:12703-1770883200-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Shakespeare and Manchester: A Victorian Powerhouse Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:For the first time\, this exhibition tells the story of how seven personalities transformed Manchester into a global centre of Shakespearean theatre in the Victorian era and reveals present day evidence of the city’s innovative engagement with the works of Shakespeare. \nFree – please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/shakespeare-and-manchester-a-victorian-powerhouse-exhibition/
LOCATION:First Floor Display Cases
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Landscape-Image-for-Shakespeare-Exhibition-2026-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260301T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260224T141955Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T143044Z
UID:12936-1772352000-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Building China: People’s Infrastructure
DESCRIPTION:“Building China: People’s Infrastructure” invites audiences to encounter China from the kitchen table and the street corner rather than the skyline. Bringing together photographs and prints from the 1950s to the 1980s with field images from the early 2000s and contemporary works\, the exhibition traces urban change through the ordinary spaces where life unfolds. \nAcross work unit housing\, factory yards\, courtyards\, pavements\, parks and markets\, the exhibition foregrounds infrastructure as lived experience. Socialist era photographs reveal campaigns that sought to educate as they built\, capturing moments of collective labour and care. Reform era scenes register development in motion\, with unfinished structures and provisional arrangements shaping everyday routines. Contemporary contributions attend to elevated roads\, pavements and public spaces as shared infrastructures\, animated through drawing\, film and photography that remain attentive to movement and sound. \n“Building China: People’s Infrastructure” offers a portrait of continuous infrastructuring\, understood as the ongoing adaptation of spaces\, rules and materials to meet everyday needs. By bringing the intimacy of routine practices into focus\, the exhibition reframes one of the world’s most discussed urban transformations through the ordinary scenes that sustain it. \nThis exhibition is supported by The Confucius Institute at The University of Manchester. CI is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 and this exhibition forms part of our celebrations. Exhibition launch details will be announced shortly. \nLead curator: Prof Deljana Iossifova (Architecture & Urban Studies)\, University of Manchester \nWith contributions from Deljana Iossifova\, Xin Li\, Qiwei Peng\, Ziqiu Ren\, Rujin Wang and photographs by the late David Lea. \nMore information: Building China: People’s Infrastructure | Events at The University of Manchester \nFree – please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/building-china-peoples-infrastructure/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor Link
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2024-08-18-16.09.31-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260302T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260303T144435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T144435Z
UID:13035-1772438400-1780160400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Heritage Meets Heritage - Echoes of Sahyadri
DESCRIPTION:Exhibition featuring 12 UNESCO Heritage Forts. \nOrganised by Leena Desshmukh\, Founder of Sahyadri CIC UK\, in collaboration with Sahyadri Pratishtan India. \nThis exhibition honours the extraordinary hill forts of the Sahyadri mountain range\, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding universal value. These formidable structures stand as enduring symbols of architectural innovation\, strategic brilliance and cultural legacy. \nCarved into rugged landscapes and rising majestically above valleys and coastlines\, the forts represent centuries of vision\, resilience and statecraft. Their sophisticated defence systems\, water management engineering and harmonious integration with natural terrain reflect a remarkable synthesis of art\, science and military intelligence. \nThrough meticulously crafted fort models\, curated historical narratives and immersive visual presentation\, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with this monumental chapter of global heritage. Visitors are invited to experience the spirit\, strength and enduring legacy of the Sahyadri forts in an educational and culturally enriching environment. \nFree – please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/heritage-meets-heritage-echoes-of-sahyadri/
LOCATION:First Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_1576.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260529T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260202T150315Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T104352Z
UID:12734-1773043200-1780074000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Long Road South to find True North
DESCRIPTION:Take a poetry journey from loss to hope\, from home to infinity\, to find your own personal True North.  \n80 people from Cornerstone Day Centre in Hulme\, many affected by homelessness and other issues\, have made poetic paths for all to follow\, opening eyes to a wider world. \nThese restless poems leap from the page into 3-dimensions. Intriguing\, bright and curious poetic paper sculptures\, filled with intense life experience. Navigation tools for the journey – “wish frogs”\, folded globes\, infinity poems. And songs for the journey… \nEchoing the footsteps of the footloose Japanese haiku poet Basho\, our word-magicians lead us onward to help each of us find our own inner Northstar. \nThis year-long project at Caritas Cornerstone Day Centre was co-created by the makers with poet Philip Davenport\, artists Christine Johnson and Darren Marsh. \nFunded by Arts Council England \nFree please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/the-long-road-south-to-find-true-north/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/North-Star.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260630T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260210T141859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T143208Z
UID:12821-1773043200-1782838800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Exiles and Descendants
DESCRIPTION:This exhibition from Polonia Northern England uncovers the remarkable history of a Polish community (Polonia) deported and displaced during WWII. Through photographs\, letters\, and personal documents\, it showcases experiences of forced deportation\, war crimes\, refuge\, and significant contributions to Britain’s freedom. The exhibition also explores post-war resettlement in exile in Northern England and community efforts to maintain cultural identity whilst Poland was under communist rule. PNE safeguards and shares this history to strengthen collective memory and fill the gaps in historical records. \nFree – please drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/exiles-and-descendants/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PNE-Banner-Jan-2026-01-1-cropped-for-LL-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260408T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260430T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260227T142747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T142919Z
UID:12991-1775635200-1777568400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Voices of the City
DESCRIPTION:Voices of the City exhibition is a powerful and welcoming photography exhibition of a creative project which celebrated identity\, belonging and community. \nCreated by Community Arts North West\, the project brought together a group of diverse young people and adults to tell their stories by working with drama facilitator and physical theatre director\, Julia Wilson of SmallActs theatre company\, to explore character\, costume and movement. Their journey was captured in striking photographs by Shirlaine Forrest (whose work includes photographing Taylor Swift\, Stormzy and Billie Eilish). \nExperience powerful photos\, discover real stories\, and enjoy the chance to see the city (and its young people) in a new way. The result is a unique\, multi-generational exhibition full of energy\, imagination and real voices from our city. You might recognise a face or even a bit of yourself. \nFree – just drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online \n============================= \nPlus\, free launch event. Drop in to the Oculus Space on the ground floor on Wednesday 8 April\, 1-3.30pm\, for an informal launch with live music. \nStay for a relaxed Q&A (2 -3.30pm) in the Henry Watson Music Library on the first floor with young people\, creative producer Michelle Udogu\, and photographer Shirlaine Forrest. \nVoices of the City is funded by BBC Children in Need and The Granada Foundation. \nPhotograph: Shirlaine Forrest
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/voices-of-the-city/
LOCATION:Ground Floor (Oculus Area)
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CITY-COUNCIL-PHOTO-IMG-20260206-WA0001-ll-crop-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260425T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260425T113000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20250114T150156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T103721Z
UID:13177-1777114800-1777116600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Polish Storytime
DESCRIPTION:Join our fun and interactive storytelling session in Polish! We will listen to stories in Polish and English. \nSuitable for children aged 4–7. \nFree – drop in. \nPlease consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/polish-storytime/2026-04-25/
LOCATION:Children’s Library
CATEGORIES:Family,Monthly event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Polish-Storytime-lower-res-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260425T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260425T124500
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20220202T114651Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T104248Z
UID:12971-1777118400-1777121100@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Spanish Storytime
DESCRIPTION:Hola! Come and join María at the Spanish Story Time monthly sessions\, where you can listen to a story in Spanish and learn phrases and vocabulary\, whilst having fun. We end each session making a simple craft related to the story. \nSuitable for children aged 4-7 \nFree – just drop in.  \nPlease consider making a donation to support our cultural programme if you can\, either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/spanish-storytime-2026-03-14/2026-04-25/
LOCATION:Children’s Library
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Spanish-strytime-pic2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260425T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260425T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260218T143414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T143447Z
UID:12891-1777129200-1777132800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Fleecers: Live!
DESCRIPTION:One of the hottest emerging talents in the North West\, The Fleecers\, will be performing live in the Henry Watson Music Library this Spring. \n\nA group of prodigiously talented music students aged 14-17\, The Fleecers formed in Cheadle Hulme in 2025. In their short time together\, the rising indie-rock four-piece have since been making ripples around the region with a series of shows in clubs\, pubs\, and house parties. \n\nAlready getting a formidable reputation for their passionate live shows\, the band’s energising covers of classics by the likes of Oasis\, Radiohead\, The Verve\, Stereophonics\, and others have gone down a storm with audiences.\n\nRecently the band released their debut single “Home”\, an irresistible indie-rock belter recommended for fans of The K’s to The Royston Club\, The Courteeners to Arctic Monkeys. With their fan base surging\, the track has already hit over 50\,000 streams and counting. Listen to “Home” here: “Home” – The Fleecers\n\nThey may be The Fleecers by name\, but this pay-what-you-can show at Central Library promises to be worth every penny… Catch them here on Saturday 25th April while you can.\n \nBook tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’.  \nAll donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/the-flecers-live/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Fleecers.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260430T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260430T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260311T141840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T121905Z
UID:13125-1777572000-1777575600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love: Richard Houghton in conversation
DESCRIPTION:‘Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love’ is a people’s history of the biggest rock band in the world. And on Thursday 30 April\, its author Richard Houghton will be talking all about it\, in the Henry Watson Music Library. \nThis extraordinary book tells Zeppelin’s story in the words of over 750 fans\, as recounted by concert goers\, roadies\, promoters and others who encountered the band across their 12-year career. \nLed Zeppelin were formed in 1968 by Yardbirds guitarist Jimmy Page\, who recruited singer Robert Plant\, drummer John ‘Bonzo’ Bonham and John Paul Jones. From there\, Led Zeppelin toured North America relentlessly in the early part of the seventies\, regularly smashing concert attendance and box office records\, playing the legendary songs ‘Whole Lotta Love’\, ‘Stairway To Heaven’ and ‘Rock & Roll’ at shows that fans now recall as the best they ever saw. \nPacked with memories going back to Robert Plant’s earliest performances\, this book charts Zep’s concert career in all its glory and infamy – from the earliest Zeppelin shows\, to the five nights at London’s Earls Court in 1975\, Knebworth Festival in 1979\, and 2007’s epic O2 reunion show. \nRichard Houghton is the author of over 20 books about music\, specialising in people’s histories that tell the story of an act in the words of fans. He has compiled authorised ‘fanthologies’ on Jethro Tull\, Simple Minds\, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark\, The Stranglers\, Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays)\, Fairport Convention\, The Wedding Present and The Ukrainians. He lives in Manchester\, UK. \nProviding a fresh take on the enduring band that has sold over 300 million albums worldwide\, hear Richard Houghton in conversation about ‘Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love’\n \nBook tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’. All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/led-zeppelin-whole-lotta-love-ricard-houghton-in-conversation/
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Whole-Lotta-Love.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260430T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260430T193000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260331T150307Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T150406Z
UID:13303-1777572000-1777577400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Attila the Stockbroker: Fiery Words for Hellish Times
DESCRIPTION:Punk poet\, latterly dub poet\, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Attila the Stockbroker exploded into public consciousness in 1982-3 via two John Peel sessions and a Melody Maker front cover\, and is now celebrating 45 years earning a living doing what he loves. \nFiery Words for Hellish Times is his most topical and incendiary publication yet. As the news goes from awful to worse\, these are poems to make you laugh\, cry\, get angry\, and above all\, think! \nPresented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. \nhttps://flapjackpress.co.uk
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/fiery-words-for-hellish-times-by-attila-the-stockbroker/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Book Launch,Poetry
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Attila-the-stockbroker.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260505T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260505T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260303T151809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T151900Z
UID:13064-1778004000-1778007600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:People’s Infrastructure: Everyday Life in Changing China
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Manchester Confucius Institute’s second public talk linked to our 20th anniversary exhibition \, Building China: People’s Infrastructure \nThis talk moves from the visual culture of the 1950s and the institutional landscapes of the 1970s to contemporary studies of markets\, parks\, sidewalks\, and sites of urban redevelopment. Across these moments\, infrastructure is approached as something maintained through labour\, inhabitation\, and routine use. Attention shifts between rural and urban settings\, historical transformation and present conditions\, to show how social life and material systems remain closely intertwined. ‘People’s infrastructure’ offers a lens for understanding continuity and change in China’s recent past and present. \nAfter the talk\, there will be an opportunity to visit the Manchester Confucius Institute’s 20th anniversary exhibition\, Building China: People’s Infrastructure\, on the Lower Ground Floor of the Central Library (exhibited from 1 March until 30 May 2026). \nFree – booking required via Eventbrite here or via ‘Book Now’ below \n==================================== \nAbout the speaker: \nDeljana Iossifova is Professor of Architecture and Urban Studies and lead the Urban Studies Lab at the University of Manchester\, where she also acts as Academic Director of the Confucius Institute. She was trained as an architect at ETH Zurich and holds a PhD in Public Policy Design from Tokyo Institute of Technology\, which she obtained following years of professional practice in East Asia. Her research examines the dynamics between architecture\, everyday life\, urban transformations\, and global environmental change. \nThe Manchester Confucius Institute Public Talk Series: \nManchester Confucius Institute public talks are free\, informal and informative lectures aimed at anyone with an interest in Chinese culture and language. \nFind out more about the Manchester Confucius Institute.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/peoples-infrastructure-everyday-life-in-changing-china/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Everyday-life-in-changing-china.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260521T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260521T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260323T134946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T162335Z
UID:13205-1779386400-1779390000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:'Malc's Boy'. Shaun Wilson in conversation with Tony Walsh.
DESCRIPTION:Hailed by David Keenan as “fierce\, funny\, poignant and real”\, Malc’s Boy is being tipped as one of the most exciting debuts of 2026! \n\n\n\n\nBrutal\, beautiful\, and darkly funny – a groundbreaking portrait of fathers\, sons\, and northern masculinity. \nMalc’s Boy charts a son’s struggle and friendship with his father amidst a legacy of toxic masculinity and violence. Shaun grows up in Wigton\, a small market town on the fringes of the Lake District\, as the son of Malc\, a prominent publican with a fearsome reputation. More concerned with establishing himself as an artist than making a name for himself in the town’s hierarchical pub scene\, Shaun rebels against his father’s expectations. But when Malc is attacked by an old enemy\, Shaun is forced to confront his father’s past and escape the life he’s been expected to lead. \nShaun Wilson was born in 1980 and raised in Wigton\, Cumbria. In 2022\, an early draft of Malc’s Boy won a Northern Writers’ Award\, with an excerpt published by Granta. His work featured in Kit de Waal’s working-class anthology Common People published by Unbound\, leading the acclaimed Kerry Hudson to tip him ‘for big things’ in The Observer. \nHe has featured at various book festivals\, on BBC Radio\, and recently completed a placement at Semiotext(e). He holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Northumbria University and is currently an Associate Lecturer in Creative Writing at the Universities of Northumbria and Teesside. \nTony Walsh\, the Longfella\, is one of the UK’s most widely acclaimed professional poets; a writer and performer of remarkable breadth and depth\, whose inspiring words regularly reach and inspire audiences of millions. \nManchester-Irish\, working class and entirely self-taught\, his powerful writing and electrifying performances have made him a regular on television and radio\, much in demand for a huge range of high-profile occasions\, and renowned internationally for the now iconic performance of his poem “This Is The Place” in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. \nTickets are £3 entry or there is a book and ticket bundle for £12.99.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/malcs-boy-shaun-wilson-in-conversation-with-tony-walsh/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/launch.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260602T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260602T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260401T142545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T142545Z
UID:13323-1780387200-1780419600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Tayari Jones
DESCRIPTION:One of the most irresistible voices in contemporary fiction Tayari Jones discusses her highly anticipated new novel Kin. Born days apart\, Vernice and Annie share loss and friendship. Growing up in segregated America\, their paths diverge\, until danger forces Vernice to risk everything. An exploration of love\, loyalty and motherhood\, powerful.  \nPresented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester and supported by Library Live.  \nBooking tickets here  Tayari Jones | Manchester Literature Festival or ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-tayari-jones/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Tayari-Jones_c_Julie-Yarborough.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260613T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260613T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260401T131346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T131346Z
UID:13319-1781359200-1781362800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Choirs Manchester - Live Performance
DESCRIPTION:Come along to the Henry Watson Music Library for some exceptional choral music from: Choirs Manchester. \nChoirs Manchester are a collective of choirs running in Chorlton and Withington. They are all about singing to feel good and love nothing more than performing their original arrangements of current and classic tunes. They have performed yearly at the renowned Manchester 10k\, at Refuge\, Manchester and are consistently part of local community events in South Manchester such as Chorlton Arts Festival and for the charity Emmeline’s Pantry. \nChoirs Manchester are led by the talented Sarah Adams\, who among her many other accolades has conducted the Manchester’s Survivors’ Choir and performed alongside Take That. As a singer/songwriter of her own accord\, she has also performed in reputable venues across the city such as Band on the Wall\, Manchester Academy\, Bury Met\, Deaf Institute and been part of the ‘Live at Lunchtime’ series at Bridgewater Hall. \nSpeaking about Choirs Manchester and their concerts\, Sarah says: \n“I pride myself on creating a relaxed\, no pressure environment that is all about singing to feel good and my ability to encourage a sense of community during a session. It is an empowering activity\, not just for an individual but also for connecting people as a group.” \nThis June\, take a seat in the historic music library\, sit-back\, watch\, listen\, and immerse yourself in their uplifting vibe. \nFree – just drop in. \nPlease consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/choirs-manchester-live-performance/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Choirs-Manchester.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260615T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260615T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260320T094801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T095108Z
UID:13161-1781510400-1781542800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Natalie Haynes
DESCRIPTION:Bestselling author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes returns to Manchester Literature Festival to discuss her powerful new novel No Friend to This House – an extraordinary reimagining of the myth of Medea.   \nBased on Euripides’ classic tragedy\, No Friend to This House explores love\, vengeance\, power and survival\, as Medea faces an impossible choice that will change the course of her and her family’s lives. Known for her bold and compassionate retellings of Greek mythology\, Natalie brings fresh life to this ancient story\, placing one of literature’s most misunderstood women centre stage.  \nJoin us to see experienced broadcaster Natalie Haynes discuss her enduring passion for the classics and why these ancient stories continue to resonate so powerfully today.  \n‘It’s superb: sharp\, funny\, inventive\, powerfully humane…she is one of the most brilliant women in the media.’ Katherine Rundell  \n‘Muse\, sorceress\, high priestess\, Haynes is all of these\, but above all she is the consummate storyteller.’ Adam Rutherford  \n‘an illuminating and often thrilling work of feminist reclamation…Haynes creates an account of her maligned protagonist that is powerfully affecting in its complexity.’ Guardian  \nNatalie Haynes is a Sunday Times bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster. She is the author of novels The Amber Fury\, The Children of Jocasta\, a feminist retelling of the Oedipus and Antigone stories; A Thousand Ships\, a retelling of the Trojan War from an all-female perspective and Stone Blind\, a re-telling of the Medusa story. Her non-fiction books include The Ancient Guide to Modern Life; Pandora’s Jar about the women in Greek myths and Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth.  \nShe has written and presented eleven series of BBC Radio 4’s Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics and is celebrated for bringing Greek myth and classical history to a wide contemporary audience.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nBooking tickets here Natalie Haynes | Manchester Literature Festival or ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-natalie-haynes/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260625T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260625T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260303T153116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T153511Z
UID:13072-1782410400-1782414000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Music Q&A: ‘It's Time the Tale Were Told - A People's History of the Smiths'
DESCRIPTION:‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths’ is the story of one of the UK’s most influential indie bands and Manchester’s greatest musical exports. \nFeaturing the words of over 500 fans of the band\, this joyous new book has been collated by author and journalist Iain Key\, plus publisher Richard Houghton (Spenwood Books) will be coming to Central Library to tell us about it. From memories of their earliest club shows through to the last ever gig at London’s Brixton Academy\, this is a portrait of The Smiths as painted by the fans. \nWith personal photographs\, memorabilia\, anecdotes and first-hand accounts of more than 100 gigs\, readers will get a front row view of the indie music legends. Based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Marr\, The Smiths’ 1985 album Meat Is Murder topped the UK album charts and their other three studio albums reached No 2. The band broke up in 1987 and turned down all invitations to reunite. \nIain Key is a recognisable face on the Manchester Music Scene from many years in the late ’80s and ’90s.A journalist for the tastemaker music site Louder Than War\, Iain has written over 500 pieces including music\, book and gig reviews. Iain has also produced weekly music shows for the last 4 years for Louder Than War Radio\, focussing on both new music and interviews with new and established acts. Iain has also edited People’s Histories of The Clash and Billy Bragg for Spenwood Books. \nIain will be speaking to the publisher of Spenwood Books\, Richard Houghton\, Expect an intimate\, in-person talk\, Q&A and book signing with the author.\n\nTickets are ‘pay-what-you can’ – available via Eventbrite here or clicking the ‘Book Now’ button below\, simply ‘pay-what-you can’. \nAll donations go to Manchester Libraries.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/music-qa-its-time-the-tale-were-told-a-peoples-history-of-the-smiths/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Talks
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260717T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260718T200000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20251125T094235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T172230Z
UID:12113-1784282400-1784404800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:LOVE STORIES etc Festival
DESCRIPTION:#LoveStoriesEtc romance festival is returning for a third year to Manchester Central Library on 17th and 18th July 2026 for two packed days of exciting author panels\, industry expert led workshops\, and creative sessions! \nThe schedule for Friday 17th July includes… \n‘How to Boss Booktok’ with Ash Jayy from The Picture of Romance \n‘What Can an Editor do for You?’ with freelance editor Caroline Hogg \nA writer’s advice session hosted by the Romantic Novelists’ Association \n‘How to look Professional Online on a Budget’ with Branding Expert and Photographer\, Claire Gardner from The Authors Lounge \nA Book Bedazzling Party \nKindly sponsored by Vinci Books. Escape to the sun with a Sublime Retreats’ romance by Joy Skye!  \nA Booklovers tour of Manchester \nA Silent Reading Social Event \nWhy Romance Readers Should Rule The World with Bella North \nOn Saturday 18th\, we’re spoiling you with a bumper Author Day including –  \n Rosie Walsh\, Lizzie Damilola Blackburn\, Kate Lord Brown\,  \nCal Speet\, Rachel Hore\, Jessica George\,  \nCressida McLaughlin\, Kiley Dunbar\, Rufaro Faith Mazarura\,  \nLiz Fenwick\, Holly Hepburn\, Chloe Seager\,  \nBella Osborne\, Jill Mansell\, Kirstie Pelling\, \nRachel Wood\, Libby Page\, Beth Moran\, Megan Clawson \nBianca Gillam\, Matt Cain MBE\, Ellis Hunter \nJack Strange\, Tessa Bickers\,  \nCatrin Cadogan\, Roxy Dunn\,  \nRosie Storey and Georgia Stone!! \nWe’ll be announcing even more names very soon!
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/love-stories-etc-festival-2026/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event,Book Fair,Book Launch,Party,Workshops
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260725T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260725T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260326T101226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T152504Z
UID:13220-1784966400-1784998800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Stereo Listening Booth - LIVE!
DESCRIPTION:A special matinee show from the Manchester electronic act LIVE from the Henry Watson Music Library. \n\n\n\nEllesmere Port resident Patrick Oakford and Manchester’s Travis Eagle write and perform original electronic / dance / trance / club soundscapes under the name Stereo Listening Booth. \nReviewing the debut album ‘Disko Noir’\, Louder than War magazine described the experience as ‘somewhere between a less sleazy Soft Cell and more interesting New Order’. \nThe band’s mission statement is a simple one: ‘nothing ruled out\, nothing ruled in’. \nStereo Listening Booth will be performing live at selective venues throughout the year\, with an exclusive performance right here in the Henry Watson Music Library at Central Library. \nSpecial guests TBC – watch this space. \nBook tickets and make a donation on Eventbrite here or ‘Book Now’ below \nAll donations go to the Manchester Libraries Trust (registered charity number: 1150161). \n \nWatch / listen to “99 Otago St” here:  \n \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/stereo-listening-booth-live/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260820T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260820T200000
DTSTAMP:20260405T215452
CREATED:20260323T124607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T130833Z
UID:13179-1787252400-1787256000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Puppet Folk Experience!
DESCRIPTION:The Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and beautifully crafted puppetry. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nManchester Libraries are so excited to welcome the wonderful Puppet Folk Experience to Central Library this August. It’s going to be the most sensational\, inspirational\, celebrational show!! \nThe Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and beautifully crafted puppetry. \nMusician Andy and puppeteer Liam bring songs\, characters\, and playful storytelling together in a performance full of humour\, nostalgia\, and warmth. Featuring lively banjo-led music and an ensemble of expressive puppet characters\, the show celebrates the charm of classic puppetry and musical storytelling. \nThe Puppet Folk Experience delights audiences young and old with a performance that is heartfelt\, imaginative\, and full of fun. \nDoors opem 6.30pm \nPerformance starts 7pm \nCafe and bar will be open all evening. \nTickets are only £5 plus booking fee. There is also a buy 4 tickets for the price of 3 offer! \n\n\n \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/the-puppet-folk-experience/
CATEGORIES:Culture,Performance
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