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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Library Live
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251126T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233931
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260212T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233931
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:20260405T233931
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260302T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233931
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260630T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233931
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:20260602T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260602T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233931
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260613T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260613T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233931
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:20260405T233931
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Natalie-Haynes-2022-c-James-Betts-Smaller-Size-for-Web-LL-image.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260625T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260625T190000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233931
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Richard-Iain.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260717T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260718T200000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233931
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GwxmwhMWIAAhUn5.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260725T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260725T170000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233931
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/461481165_122185480742216246_943961226134619298_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260820T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260820T200000
DTSTAMP:20260405T233931
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PFE-Promo-1-scaled-e1774271567395.jpg
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