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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260713T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261231T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260716T084757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T074519Z
UID:14167-1783929600-1798736400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Queer Up North 1992–2002: Celebrating Manchester's LGBTQ+ Heritage
DESCRIPTION:Explore bold and beautiful material from Queer Up North 1992–2002. Established in 1992 by Tanja Farman and Gavin Barlow as part of the original Manchester Festival\, Queer Up North quickly became a beacon for queer culture\, drawing artists and audiences from across the globe. Over its first decade\, the festival showcased groundbreaking performances and played a pivotal role in shaping Manchester’s identity as an inclusive and vibrant LGBTQIA+ city. \nIn late 2024\, Queer Up North 1992–2002: Celebrating Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ Heritage was awarded funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund\, with additional support from The Granada Foundation. This funding marked a significant milestone in preserving Manchester’s rich LGBTQIA+ heritage\, focusing on the Queer Up North festivals held between 1992 and 2002. \nAll items on display\, unless otherwise stated\, are drawn from the Queer Up North collection held at Manchester Central Library. You can also listen to a fascinating series of oral histories about the festival in our Sound & Vision pods. \nSpecial thanks to Archives+. \nPhoto credit: Pamela Sneed \nFree – drop in
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/queer-up-north-1992-2002-celebrating-manchesters-lgbtq-heritage/
LOCATION:Archives+ Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/M800_8_1081-Pamela-Sneed-CREDIT-Unknown.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260807T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261031T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260716T140408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T140408Z
UID:14176-1786089600-1793466000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:In the ordinary\, there is always the extraordinary
DESCRIPTION:As a working-class artist and photographer\, Tricia Ashworth has always been fascinated by what society deems ordinary. The beauty\, the nuances\, humour\, strength and steeliness of everyday life in the ordinary. This exhibition of portraits\, from the north-west and beyond\, explores and celebrates the extraordinary. \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/in-the-ordinary-there-is-always-the-extraordinary/
LOCATION:Ground Floor (Oculus Area)
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/In-the-ordinary-there-is-always-the-extraordinary-exhibition.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260908T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270102T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260907T074834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T105141Z
UID:14605-1788854400-1798909200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Schinkel in Manchester 1826-2026
DESCRIPTION:An exhibition of architectural models by students from the Manchester School of Architecture of early nineteenth buildings in Berlin and Manchester created to celebrate the bicentenary of the brief visit of the Prussian court architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781-1841) to Manchester on July 17 1826. \nDuring his ‘English’ journey Schinkel was brought into direct contact with the industrial progress of Britain in many sites across the country. In Manchester\, and specifically in Ancoats\, he saw an industrial town developing at full spate. As Nikolaus Pevsner described it Schinkel ‘had never seen anything like that\, and indeed could not have seen it anywhere else’. \nThe exhibition compares six of Schinkel’s buildings in Berlin with six similar contemporary buildings in Manchester\, by the architects Charles Barry (1795 – 1860)\, Francis Goodwin (1784-1835) and the anonymous ‘mere foremen’ (as Schinkel described them) who were building the mills and warehouses that were in his view ‘nothing but monstrous masses of red brick … without any trace of architecture …’ \nThere will also be a special talk about this exhibition in the Performance Space on 30 September – see event details here \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/schinkel-in-manchester-1826-2026/
LOCATION:Wolfson Reading Room
CATEGORIES:Exhibition
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_7567-scaled.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261005T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261214T160000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260916T111306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T111600Z
UID:14697-1791205200-1797264000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Threads of a City: The Manchester Tapestry Project – Stitching Workshops
DESCRIPTION:Join Manchester Histories for Threads of a City: The Manchester Tapestry Project\, an ambitious community artwork celebrating the stories\, people and heritage of Greater Manchester. Together\, communities are helping to create 30 large tapestry panels exploring different aspects of the city-region’s history\, from 1853 to the present day. \nNow it’s time to bring those stories to life in stitch. Join our regular Monday stitching sessions at Manchester Central Library and contribute directly to the tapestry\, working alongside other participants on this unique collaborative artwork. Whether you’re an experienced stitcher\, a little rusty or keen to develop your skills\, all skill levels are welcome. You’ll have the opportunity to practise stitches before contributing to the tapestry\, with support available throughout. \nAll materials are provided\, along with hot drinks and biscuits\, and you can attend as many or as few sessions as you like. Once complete\, the Manchester Tapestry will be exhibited in the newly refurbished Manchester Town Hall. \nSessions take place every Monday\, 1–4pm\, at the Manchester Histories Hub on the Lower Ground Floor of Manchester Central Library. \nBooking is essential as places are limited. Book your place via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/threads-of-a-city-the-manchester-tapestry-project-stitching-workshops/
LOCATION:Lwr Ground Floor – Manchester Histories Hub
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Threads-of-a-City-Light-Box-Image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261015T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261015T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T103747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T103747Z
UID:14394-1792051200-1792083600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Louise Kennedy & Wendy Erskine
DESCRIPTION:Two of Northern Ireland’s most acclaimed\, contemporary authors\, Louise Kennedy and Wendy Erskine\, join BBC 6 Music broadcaster Deb Grant for an unmissable conversation about storytelling and identity.   \nLouise Kennedy (Trespasses) introduces Stations\, one of the most anticipated novels of 2026\, a moving and immersive story of first love\, friendship\, freedom and reinvention that spans decades and explores the choices that echo throughout our lives.   \nWendy Erskine (Dance Move) discusses The Benefactors\, her Women’s Fiction Prize-longlisted novel: a bold\, darkly funny and razor-sharp examination of class\, power\, motherhood and social exclusion in contemporary Northern Ireland.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nLouise Kennedy is the bestselling author of Trespasses\, winner of multiple awards including Debut Fiction Book of the Year at the British Book Awards\, and the acclaimed short-story collection The End of the World Is a Cul de Sac.   \nWendy Erskine is the award-winning author of Sweet Home and Dance Move\, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature\, broadcaster and interviewer and works as a secondary school teacher in Belfast.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-louise-kennedy-wendy-erskine/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Louise-Kennedy-photo-credit-Alexis-Kirschbaum-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261016T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261016T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T104451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T104451Z
UID:14402-1792137600-1792170000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Carolyn Forché & Kwame Dawes
DESCRIPTION:Don’t miss this opportunity to hear two of the world’s most visionary poets read and discuss their sublime poetry\, exploring political engagement and the interplay between survival and testimony.  \nOver five decades\, American poet Carolyn Forché has established herself as both ‘a poet of witness’ and an indefatigable human rights activist. Beautifully crafted\, her poems are testimonies\, enquiries and wonderments. Her anthology\, Against Forgetting\, has been praised by Nelson Mandela as ‘itself a blow against tyranny\, against prejudice\, against injustice.’ Otherwise: New & Selected Poems 1976-2026 brings together poems from her five award-winning collections as well as urgent new work.  \nKwame Dawes is the author of numerous books of poetry\, essays and works of fiction\, most recently the collection Sturge Town featuring poems of acute self-reflection alongside those giving voice to invented characters. He is the Poet Laureate of Jamaica\, the Artistic Director of the Calabash International Literary Festival and Professor of Literary Arts at Brown University. His poetry has been described by Martin Espada as ‘the music of survival and transcendence.’  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event co-presented with Manchester Poetry Library\, Bloodaxe Books and Renaissance One. Supported by Library Live.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-carolyn-forche-kwame-dawes/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Kwame-Dawes-photo-©-Chris-Abani-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261017T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261017T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T105038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T105206Z
UID:14409-1792224000-1792256400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Brutalist Ghost Stories
DESCRIPTION:An afternoon exploring the supernatural with writers Jenn Ashworth\, David Gaffney\, Beth Barker and Nicholas Royle – four contributors to Brutalist Ghost Stories\, a haunting new anthology inspired by Britain’s post-war architecture.   \nBlending literary fiction with the uncanny\, these original stories reimagine Brutalist buildings as places where history\, memory and the supernatural collide. From Preston Bus Station and the Barbican to Forton Service Station and a substation in Sheffield\, the collection offers a striking new way of seeing familiar spaces.   \nHear readings from the anthology and discover how four distinctive Northern voices have transformed these monumental settings into unforgettable ghost stories.  \nBrutalist Ghost Stories is edited by Richard V. Hirst and published by Manchester’s Cōnfingō Publishing.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nJenn Ashworth is an award-winning novelist whose books include A Kind of Intimacy\, Fell and Ghosted. Her memoir Notes Made While Falling was shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize. She lives in Lancashire.   \nDavid Gaffney is a novelist and short story writer whose books include Never Never\, Out of the Dark and Sawn-Off Tales. His work has been appeared on BBC Radio 4. He lives in Manchester.  \nBeth Barker is a writer from Blackpool. Her work has appeared in publications including Prototype 5 and A Wild and Precious Life. She is one of the emerging voices supported through the New North strand of Brutalist Ghost Stories.  \nNicholas Royle is an acclaimed novelist and short story writer whose books include First Novel\, Antwerp and Ornithology. He is the editor of Best British Short Stories and founder of Nightjar Press.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-brutalist-ghost-stories/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1021014.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261017T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261017T120000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260415T142654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T141645Z
UID:13421-1792234800-1792238400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Storytime and Mindfulness for Children
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this relaxing session led by Psychologist Özlem Bakan Yavaş. \nWe will be reading stories and learning about feelings in a comfortable and safe environment. We will finish each session with a calming and mindful craft. \nSuitable for children aged 4+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions will take place in Manchester Central Library’s Children Library (Lower Ground Floor). \nPlease only book 1 ticket per child. Adults do not need to book on\, but are required to stay with their children at all times. \nBook your free spot via Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below. \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/storytime-and-mindfulness-for-children-4-years-2/
LOCATION:Children’s Library
CATEGORIES:Family,Reading,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Storytime-Mindfulness-for-Children.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261017T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261017T160000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20220519T095247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T144233Z
UID:6066-1792249200-1792252800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Mandarin Storytime
DESCRIPTION:Join our Mandarin Storytime. We will share the stories in Mandarin\, then English. Have fun and learn new words! Suitable for children aged 4–7. \nFree – 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/mandarin-storytime/
LOCATION:Children’s Library
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Mandarin-Storytime-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261018T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261018T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T105849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T105849Z
UID:14417-1792310400-1792342800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Natasha Walter - Feminism for A World on Fire
DESCRIPTION:An inspiring conversation with acclaimed author and campaigner Natasha Walter about building a more connected and hopeful future.   \nDrawing on her powerful and urgent new book Feminism for a World on Fire\, Natasha explores how the challenges facing women today – from inequality and online misogyny to climate change – are deeply interconnected and why our responses can be too. She offers a vision of feminism rooted in solidarity\, community and care for both people and the planet\, imagining how women’s liberation can sit alongside movements for equality\, justice and environmental protection.   \n‘Natasha Walters is a unique voice and a big picture thinker. She’s right: this is a world on fire. This book will help you understand exactly how’ Carole Cadwalladr   \n‘At the heart of Natasha Walter’s book is a proposition that actually filled me with hope’ Mary Portas  \nJoin us for a thought-provoking and inclusive event full of hope\, as Natasha explores feminism\, social change and the power of collective action.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nNatasha Walter is an award-winning author\, journalist and campaigner. Her books include The New Feminism\, Living Dolls and Before the Light Fades. She is the founder of Women for Refugee Women and her work in her academic roles\, at the University of Cambridge and Queen Mary University of London\, focuses on women’s rights\, climate justice and equality.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-natasha-walter-feminism-for-a-world-on-fire/
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Natasha-Walter-PHOTO-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261018T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261018T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T110312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T110312Z
UID:14421-1792310400-1792342800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Simon Armitage: Gilgamesh
DESCRIPTION:The Poet Laureate Simon Armitage returns to present his exhilarating new verse translation of Gilgamesh\, one of the world’s oldest and most compelling\, surviving works of literature. \nOriginating in ancient Mesopotamia nearly 4\,000 years ago\, this epic tale follows King Gilgamesh through adventures\, battles and profound personal loss. The poem explores themes that remain strikingly relevant today: power\, friendship\, love\, loss and what it means to be human. \nA Festival favourite and outstanding live performer\, Simon brings fresh energy and momentum to this ancient story\, capturing its emotional depth and relevance. See him live in what promises to be\, an uplifting journey into the very origins of storytelling. \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live. \nSimon Armitage was born in West Yorkshire and is Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds. An award-winning poet\, translator\, broadcaster and musician\, he has published over twenty poetry collections and is the author of acclaimed translations including Sir Gawain and the Green Knight\, Pearl and The Owl and the Nightingale. He is the current Poet Laureate (2019-2029). \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-simon-armitage-gilgamesh/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Armitage-Simon_credit-Paul-Stuart-Photography-Ltd-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261019T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261019T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T111053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T111358Z
UID:14426-1792396800-1792429200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Willy Vlautin
DESCRIPTION:Join acclaimed musician\, songwriter and novelist Willy Vlautin for a special evening celebrating his powerful new novel\, The Left and the Lucky. Set in Portland\, Oregon\, the novel tells the story of Eddie\, a solitary house painter\, and Russell\, the vulnerable small neighbour who slowly changes his life. Heart wrenching yet uplifting\, The Left and the Lucky is a testament to kindness\, survival and human connection.   \nOne of America’s most distinctive chroniclers of working-class life\, Willy started writing stories and songs at the age of eleven after receiving his first guitar. He joins us to discuss unlikely friendships\, human connection and his commitment to telling working class stories through his work. Don’t miss an evening with one of contemporary fiction’s most charismatic and humane voices.   \n“One of America’s great writers” Roddy Doyle   \n“Willy Vlautin is one of the bravest novelists writing. Murderers\, cheats\, sadists\, showy examples of the banality of evil\, are easy\, but it takes real courage to write a novel about ordinary good people.” Ursula K. Le Guin  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nWilly Vlautin is the acclaimed author of seven novels\, including The Horse\, winner of the 2025 Joyce Carol Oates Award. His novels The Motel Life and Lean on Pete became acclaimed films\, while The Night Always Comes was adapted by Netflix in 2025. Born in Reno\, Nevada\, he lives near Portland\, Oregon and teaches at Pacific University’s MFA in Writing programme. He is the founder of the bands Richmond Fontaine and The Delines.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-willy-vlautin/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Willy-Vlautin-photo-credit-Bobby-Abrahamson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261020T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261020T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T112004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T112004Z
UID:14431-1792483200-1792515600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents M. John Harrison
DESCRIPTION:Spend an evening with one of Britain’s greatest contemporary writers as M. John Harrison discusses his remarkable new novel\, The End of Everything\, with acclaimed writer Helen Mort.   \nSet in a fractured near-future where Europe has been mislaid\, governments barely function and mysterious new life forms emerge from the sea\, this unsettling and darkly funny novel follows a scavenger and his aunt – each drawn into separate journeys that challenges everything they think they know.   \nExpect a provocative and wide-ranging discussion about imagination\, literature and how we navigate a world where crisis has become the backdrop to everyday life.   \n‘M John Harrison is the closest thing we have to a present-day Wyndham or Ballard.’ New Statesman   \n‘The End of Everything is at once surreal\, seductive\, shrewdly funny and wholly terrifying.‘ Julia Armfield  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nJohn Harrisonis the author of more than twenty books\, including the celebratedViriconium sequence\, Light\, The Centauri Device and The Sunken Land Begins to Rise Again. Regarded as one of Britain’s most influential contemporary writers\, he has received numerous awards and written science fiction\, fantasy and speculative fiction.  His anti-memoir\, Wish I Was Here\, was described as a masterpiece and ‘a deep dive into the mind of a genius’ by Monique Roffey.   \nHelen Mort is a Sheffield based poet\, novelist\, non-fiction writer and creative writing lecturer.   \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-m-john-harrison/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/M-John-Harrison-credit-Hugo-Glendinning-1-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261020T123000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261020T143000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260116T135951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T143123Z
UID:14580-1792499400-1792506600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Talk English Circles
DESCRIPTION:Come along to Talk English Circles at Manchester Central Library to practise speaking English and meet other people. \nLearn English\, build skills and step into ESOL with this programme funded by Economic Activity Trailblazer and Manchester Adult Education. \nOpen to all levels. \nFree – book your free place here or click ‘Book Now’ below \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/talk-english-circles-2026-02-03/2026-10-20/
LOCATION:Lower Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Talk-English.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261021T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261021T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T123941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T124027Z
UID:14439-1792569600-1792602000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Lady Hale & Lara Feigel
DESCRIPTION:Lady Hale\, the first female President of the UK Supreme Court and author of the Women’s Prize longlisted With the Law on Our Side\, joins acclaimed writer Lara Feigel\, author of Custody: The Secret History of Mothers\, for a compelling conversation on law\, family and power.   \nDrawing on real cases and lived testimony\, Lady Hale opens up the legal system with clarity and humanity\, revealing how people experience the law and question where justice lies.   \nLara Feigel explores child custody through the lives of real women who challenged convention and fought for greater freedom and justice\, revealing how motherhood\, power and the law have shaped both family life and feminist progress.  \nTogether they will have a lively conversation about how justice is experienced by children\, mothers and families across history and today.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event co-presented with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester. Sponsored by Weightmans. Supported by Library Live.  \nLady Hale was the first woman to serve on the UK Supreme Court and its first female President. A pioneering legal figure\, she championed landmark reforms in family and disability law.  \nLara Feigel is the author of four highly acclaimed works of cultural history and a novel. She reviews regularly for the Guardian and contributes to a range of BBC radio programmes.  \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-lady-hale-lara-feigel/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lara-Feigel-PHOTO-credit-Johnny-Ring-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261022T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261022T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T124500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T124527Z
UID:14446-1792656000-1792688400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Hernan Diaz
DESCRIPTION:See Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hernan Diaz (Trust) discuss his brilliant new novel Ply. Set centuries from now\, Ply follows an orphan in a city on the brink of profound change\, drawn into an underground world of art\, music and risk – and a discovery that could reshape reality. A novel of ideas built from a story of people\, it blends Dickensian odyssey\, family drama and scientific thriller to explore selfhood\, connection and the distance between us and those we love.  \nRecently featured on Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club\, Hernan Diaz’s work continues to inspire readers worldwide. Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation with one of contemporary fiction’s most visionary voices.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nHernan Diaz was born in Argentina\, grew up in Sweden and now lives in New York. His acclaimed novels include Trust and In the Distance. Trust is currently being developed as a limited series for HBO\, and it has been named one of the New York Times’s Best 100 Books of the 21st Century. His work has been translated into thirty-seven languages.    \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-hernan-diaz/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/HERNAN-DIAZ-photo-copyright-Pascal-Perich-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261023T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261023T150000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T124950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T124950Z
UID:14453-1792760400-1792767600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Writing Creative Non-Fiction with Dave Haslam
DESCRIPTION:Dave Haslam\, author of the memoir Sonic Youth Slept on My Floor and books including My Second Home: Sylvia Plath in Paris\, 1956\, leads us through strategies to express a true story or life events in a way that incorporates imagination\, subjectivity\, novelistic elements\, and unconventional structures. The workshop is aimed at aspiring and early career writers and will include a study of works by the likes of Tom Wolfe and Deborah Levy.   \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nDave is an author\, broadcaster and DJ based in Manchester. His books include Manchester England\, Life After Dark and the forthcoming Creative Journeys\, drawing on four decades of conversations with some of the most compelling voices in music\, literature\, film and art.  His Art Decades series includes A Life in Thirty-Five Boxes: How I Survived Selling My Record Collection; We the Youth: Keith Haring’s New York Nightlife and Strawberry and the Big Apple: Grace Jones in Stockport\, 1980.    \nBook tickets here or click ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-writing-creative-non-fiction-with-dave-haslam/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/4793-Writing-Creative-Non-Fiction-with-Dave-Haslam-Landscape.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261024T103000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261024T143000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260820T125915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T140524Z
UID:14456-1792837800-1792852200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Little Reads Family Day
DESCRIPTION:Take part in a joyful day of stories\, theatre\, music\, dancing\, crafts and family fun. Help create some magical shoes with The Elves and the Shoemaker in an interactive show from Peoplescape Theatre\, packed with music\, puppetry\, clowning and storytelling. Strut your stuff with author and West End musical theatre star Robert Tregoning in a confidence-boosting event inspired by his latest picture book Dylan\, Daisy and the Disco Ball. Explore storytelling through movement with dancer Magdalen Bartlett. Book tickets for the individual events and drop in for some free crafts. Suitable for ages 3+. \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nBooking links:   \nThe Elves and the Shoemaker\, 10.30am – 11.15am | £6 – Book tickets here \nDance with Magdalen Bartlett\, 12 – 12.40pm | Free but booking recommended – Book tickets here \nRobert Tregoning – Dylan\, Daisy and the Disco Ball\, 1.30pm – 2.15pm | £6 – Book tickets here
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-little-reads-family-day/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/4793-Little-Reads-Family-Days-Landscape.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261104T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261104T193000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260916T162305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T162337Z
UID:14707-1793815200-1793820600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Author Q&A: Buzz Hawkins
DESCRIPTION:Buzz Hawkins joins us at Central Library to tell us more about the family Bradshaw\, and his new novel\, ‘The Bradshaws Right Up Your Street’. \n\n\n\n\n“Even after more than 600 episodes people were still asking me ‘have you written any new ones?’” says Manchester born writer Buzz Hawkins\, creator and voices of British radio’s long-running comedy nostalgia series. “Well now I can tell them yes––with bells on!” \nAudrey Bradshaw’s wishbone wish seems a simple one: a nice peaceful family Christmas in their two-up-two-down terraced house with a nice plump turkey and all the trimmings (little Billy got the small bit but that’s enough for a seven-nearly-eight year old). Billy’s wish is for a pet\, preferably a budgie\, but any pet will do. December is already here\, Christmas is approaching like a steam train and there’s no sign of Audrey’s housekeeping money (again). And Alf is spending too much time down the pub. Then there’s the small matter of Billy’s school nativity play. Simple\, eh? Never. It’s all the fun of the Festive! \nPraising the series on the BBC Radio Four documentary ’30 Years of the Bradshaws’\, comedian Peter Kay said: \n“Comedy is in the minutiae of life and in the things that you know really well. Sometimes you reach and you stretch for things … sometimes I think that it’s right under your nose. It’s about having the capability to recognise it and then turn it into gold. And I think that’s what he’s done.” \nBuzz will be talking about the new instalment\, ‘The Bradshaws Right Up Your Street’\, right here at Manchester Central Library on Wednesday 4th November. \nBooks will be available at the event. \nTickets are just pay-what-you-like! Available below or on Eventbrite HERE.\n\nAll donations go to Manchester Libraries to further future activities.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/author-qa-buzz-hawkins/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Buzz-profile-pic_1114x610_144.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261119T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261119T190000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260904T143905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T143905Z
UID:14591-1795111200-1795114800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Confucius Institute presents: The Chinese story of bamboo: Sustainability in Material and Culture
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next public talk with Manchester Confucius Institute to learn about the Chinese story of bamboo with Fang Zong. \nBamboo\, as a model of sustainability\, is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions of material application and cultural representation. This talk explores the dual identity of Chinese bamboo both as a vital ecological resource and a profound cultural symbol. Fang Zong\, a multidisciplinary scholar\, tells the Chinese story of bamboo through historical bamboo wares to modern innovation\, scientific basics to artistic presentation\, and natural environment to human spirit. \nFree – book your ticket on Eventbrite here or click ‘Book Now’ below \nThe Manchester Confucius Institute Public Talk Series – Manchester Confucius Institute public talks are free\, informal and informative lectures aimed at anyone with an interest in Chinese culture and language.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-confucius-institute-presents-the-chinese-story-of-bamboo-sustainability-in-material-and-culture/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Chinese-story-of-bamboo.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261121T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261121T160000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260824T115825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T115935Z
UID:14464-1795273200-1795276800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Gig: Faint Red Star - LIVE
DESCRIPTION:On Saturday 21st November\, rising electronic duo Faint Red Star will perform an intimate matinee show at the Henry Watson Music Library. \nFaint Red Star are a duo born in Manchester\, UK. Blending soaring synths with warm\, rumbling beats and stirring vocal melodies\, their sound is a heady concoction of brooding synth-pop\, dark wave\, and alternative textures. \nPerforming live in 2026\, the duo draws inspiration from nostalgic sonics\, shot thhrough with a sparkle of vintage video games\, shimmering synthesisers\, and the wondrous wave genres of the 80’s and 90’s. \nWith songs that explore life’s immersive highs and expose the aching lows of human connection\, Faint Red Star’s creations are at turns whimsical\, ambient\, and drenched in drama. \nTheir striking music creates a dreamy and reminiscent space for the audience to gently drop their guard\, bounce and sink into sound – with the band due to perform cuts from their catalogue to date at the Henry Watson Music Library\, Central Library on 21st November. \nTICKETS \nTickets are just pay-what-you-like! Available HERE \nFor multiple tickets\, please repeat the eventbrite ordering process until you have the quantitiy you require. \nAny donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities. \nListen to Faint Red Star here: https://soundcloud.com/faintredstarmusic \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/gig-faint-red-star-live/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/FRS-photo-RG-22082026.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261128T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261128T170000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260918T092849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T092849Z
UID:14726-1795852800-1795885200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Indonesian Film Screening: Levitating (2026)
DESCRIPTION:This screening is presented to you by Nuansa: Indonesian Film Pop-Up in collaboration with Manchester Central Library and Library Live. \nDelve into the world of spirit-fuelled trance parties in the island nation of Indonesia with the screening of Levitating\, a film directed by Wregas Bhanuteja\, which recently competed at the Sundance Film Festival. \nThere will be a virtual Q&A session with the film director at the end — you are encouraged to stay and fire your questions away! \nAbout the Film \nLatas Village is known for its traditional trance parties\, a long-standing ritual and form of entertainment passed down through generations. When the sacred wellspring where the spirit-channelers seek spirits from is facing an impending demolition\, Bayu becomes determined to become a spirit-channeler himself so he can lead a grand fundraising party to buy back the spring. But along the way\, Bayu discovers that ambition alone is not enough to make him a true spirit-channeler\, or to save the village he calls home. Image is courtesy of Rekata Studio. \nAbout Nuansa: Indonesian Film Pop-Up \nNuansa aims to bring Indonesian stories to the screen for curious audiences in Manchester. Meaning nuance in English\, Nuansa takes viewers by the hand and invites them to see what lies between the layers. Storytelling is a craft that transcends sound and image — it encourages seeing beyond the surface\, discovering the nuances of a country with cultures folded into one another.Introducing audiences to stories from the other side of the world\, the project hopes to illuminate the syncretic\, often bewildering island nation that is Indonesia through the intimacy of cinema. \nFollow us at nuansa.co.uk. Join our mailing list and get notified about future screenings (and other fun stuff). We will always try to offer our screenings for free\, however\, running them is not without costs. There is an option to donate\, should you feel like supporting the project that way — it is much\, much appreciated and will help keep the project going. It is entirely optional\, and we’ll be as happy just to have you there! \nWe’re excited to offer this screening free of charge. Can’t make it? Please cancel your free ticket so someone else can join. \nSuitable for ages 18 and over \nBook tickets on Eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/indonesian-film-screening-levitating-2026/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Indo-film.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261130T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261130T193000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260918T094434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T094550Z
UID:14734-1796059800-1796067000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Research Stories Told Live
DESCRIPTION:Researchers have captured their work in a single image. Now they’re sharing the stories behind them. Join us for an evening of true stories told live by this year’s Images of Research 2026 finalists. \n\n\n\nWorking with Heard Storytelling\, a selection of finalists will take to the stage to tell personal stories from their experiences of research. From unexpected discoveries and moments of doubt to the people\, places and encounters that shaped their work\, each story offers a glimpse into the human side of research. \nAlongside the storytelling\, you’ll be able to explore the Images of Research 2026 exhibition and see the images that inspired the stories shared on stage. \nWhether you’re curious about research\, enjoy hearing people tell their stories\, or simply fancy spending an evening discovering something new\, we’d love you to join us. \n\n\nYou can view all twelve finalist images and vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award ahead of the event here. \nBook free tickets on Eventbrite here or click on ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/research-stories-told-live/
LOCATION:Performance Space
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Research-event.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261212T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261212T160000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260824T122300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T122313Z
UID:14468-1797087600-1797091200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Gig: The Blazing Snowmen
DESCRIPTION:Manchester quartet The Blazing Snowmen will launch a brand new book and perform live in a special show at the Henry Watson Music Library this Winter. \nThe history of the Blazing Snowmen goes back to the early 80s alternative scene in Manchester and had associations with Factory Records\, Marc Riley & the Creepers\, Intape Records\, Tools You Can Trust. \nThe band presents with diverse musical references\, as a backdrop to storytelling in forensic detail about our everyday lives. \nOn 12th December\, the Snowmen will launch a brand new book of their song lyrics with a show at the Music Library of Central Library. \nExpect lyric dissection and performances of some songs from the book (illustrated by local artist\, Helen Mandel). \nTICKETS \nTickets are just pay-what-you-like! Available HERE \nFor multiple tickets\, please repeat the eventbrite ordering process until you have the quantitiy you require. \nAny donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities. \nListen to The Blazing Snowmen on Bandcamp here: Music | The Blazing Snowmen
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/gig-the-blazing-snowmen/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/crooked-man-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20270910T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270911T180000
DTSTAMP:20260920T155242
CREATED:20260910T164135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T171954Z
UID:14651-1820570400-1820685600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Love Stories etc Romance Festival 2027!!
DESCRIPTION:#LoveStoriesEtc Romance Literary Festival is back for its fourth spectacular year\, taking over Manchester Central Library on 10th-11th September 2027. \n\n\n\n\nWe’re cooking up the ultimate line‑up to bring you all the swoony\, bookish vibes you can handle – think electric author panels\, hands‑on creative sessions\, and industry‑expert workshops. Two joy-packed days. Endless inspiration. Join us. \nWe already have to following wonderful authors confirmed! \nBobby Palmer\, Tasneem Abdur-Rashid\, Ellie Barker\, Alice Murphy-Pyle\, Jasmine Burke\, Mike & Claire Gayle\, Lia Louis\, Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm\, Ellie McNicoll\, Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees\, Rufaro Faith Mazarura and Ela Jones. \nEARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW!! \n£35 FOR THE WHOLE WEEKEND including booking fee!!
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/love-stories-etc-romance-festival-2027/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event,Book Fair,Party
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Love-Stories-Central-Logo-Banner.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR