What's on

Made In Manchester: The Ups & Downs of Freelancing

These days many careers in the ever-growing Creative Industries are freelance. Hear from our experienced panel as they discuss how to survive as a freelancer, make the most of opportunities, and stand out in the new "gig economy". Featuring Tom Clarke from The Sharp Project, Alison Surtees from the Manchester Music Digital Archive and Pip Rustage, photographer. […]

Homeless Film Festival Screening – Mr Stink

Performance Space

Join us for a screening of the film Mr Stink. The film is presented by the Homeless Film Festival which is a registered charity and the world's biggest festival dedicated to using film screenings, special events and film making workshops as a way of highlighting and tackling homeless issues. Free - to book email homelessfilmfestival@gmail.com

Jennifer Egan

Performance Space

Acclaimed American author Jennifer Egan makes a rare UK visit to talk about her forthcoming novel, Manhattan Beach – her first foray into historical fiction. Set during the Depression and then the war, it tells the story of Anna Kerrigan, a navy diver making her own way at a transformative time for women; in a […]

£10

Gordon Brown: A Life in Politics

Performance Space

This event is sold out The former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, will talk about a remarkable 40 years on the political frontline. Join us for this landmark event to celebrate the release of his forthcoming memoir, My Life, Our Times, which reflects candidly on an extraordinary career; from New Labour's 1997 landslide electoral victory, to the 2008 global […]

Saturday Spectacular

To celebrate Explore Your Archive Week, join us to celebrate 120 years of the Disabled Living charity. Join us as we find out how the charity has changed over the years by using their archive images in a range of fun activities for all the family. Free - just drop in

Countdown to Illuminate

In the countdown to Illuminate, our new site specific piece created for Manchester Central Library by Company Chameleon, we’re excited to present a series of free countdown events ahead of the main event. Mon 20 Nov, 12-2pm | Pop-up: listen A lunchtime performance of live music and a chance to hear the new and original […]

Free

Illuminate: a journey of seven stories

Please note: Illuminate is now sold out, however, you can join the waiting list for a chance to still get tickets. Plus, why not join us for the free countdown events taking place across the Library’s spaces between 20-24 Nov. New dance, music and light art combine in this visually stunning and extraordinary site-specific piece created by Company […]

Free

The Longplayer Conversation: David Attenborough and Chris Watson

Performance Space

A LIVE SCREENING FROM THE BRITISH LIBRARY An evening of extraordinary sounds and discussion The 2017 Longplayer Conversation brings together long time collaborators, sound recordist Chris Watson and naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. Join us for what promises to be a fascinating conversation informed by their shared interests and experiences as sound recordists in […]

Lip Service presents Thrills and Quills!

Performance Space

LipService theatre take a comic look at Jane Austen's letters, examine the vagaries of the Georgian postal system and wonder what witty words Jane could have conjured up with a Twitter account.We examine the world of communication from quill pen to SnapChat. With extracts from Jane Austen's novels, letters to family members and wickedly funny […]

£5

Library Lounge presents Paul Hanley in conversation

Performance Space

Paul Hanley was the drummer in Manchester legends The Fall from 1980-85 and now plays with Brix & The Extricated. He’s currently completing his English degree with the Open University and occasionally writes for Louder Than War. This Library Lounge event will be an exploration of Paul's love of music, books and libraries and the influence they […]

Abel Heywood, Manchester’s Radical Mayor

Archives+ Ground Floor

Meet author Joanna Williams, whose book Abel Heywood, the Man who Built the Town Hall, was published by the History Press on 1 September 2017. Abel Heywood (1810-93), Mayor of Manchester, as chair of the New Town Hall Committee was the leading light behind the construction of the 'municipal palace' in Albert Square.  Rising from severe poverty, he […]