What's on

Percival Everett in Conversation

Performance Space

Presented by Manchester Literature Festival ‘With my pencil, I wrote myself into being.’ In James, Percival Everett’s thrilling retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the enslaved Jim is allowed to tell his story for the first time. While journeying down the Mississippi with Huck, Jim has a series of adventures and encounters. Often terrifying but […]

Greater Mancunians Exhibition

First Floor Exhibition Hall

The Manchester College presents Greater Mancunians – a student led, landmark photography project, seven years in the making. The exhibition celebrates people born and bred in Greater Manchester, or those who have made it their home and have in some way shaped the city and its surrounding boroughs, for the greater good. They include musicians, […]

David Nicholls in Conversation

Performance Space

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT Presented by Manchester Literature Festival A welcome return to Manchester Literature Festival for one of the UK’s best loved authors. David Nicholls joins us to discuss his witty and engrossing new novel, You Are Here. The story of two lonely people, thirty-eight-year-old Marnie and forty-two-year-old Michael, battered by break-ups and the loss of the futures […]

Manchester British Sign Language Festival

BSL (British Sign Language) is coming to Central Library!  Join us for the first of two free taster sessions and see popular children’s stories come to vibrant, visual life by the wonderfully talented local BSL storyteller, Kate Tinston. A BSL English interpreter will provide voice over in English so non-signers and BSL signers can participate […]

Word Central

Performance Space

Word Central Open mic poetry and spoken word.  Presented by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest poet Andy Millican. Our guest for April is Andy Millican, a multiple poetry competition winner who has had several poems broadcast on the BBC and is host of Glossop Open Mic at Glossop Labour […]

George the Poet

Performance Space

TRACK RECORD - George the Poet in conversation with Okechukwu Nzelu Join us for the Manchester launch of TRACK RECORD - the ground-breaking new memoir from acclaimed rapper and podcast host, George the Poet. We're thrilled to be hosting the Manchester launch of George the Poet's 'Track Record: Me, Music and the War on Blackness'. […]

Manchester British Sign Language Festival

BSL (British Sign Language) is coming to Central Library!  Join us for this second of two free taster sessions and see popular children’s stories come to vibrant, visual life by the wonderfully talented local BSL storyteller, Kate Tinston. A BSL English interpreter will provide voice over in English so non-signers and BSL signers can participate […]

Northern Publishers’ Fair 2024

Performance Space

DISCOVER THE BEST OF NORTHERN PUBLISHING AT THE FREE NORTHERN PUBLISHERS' FAIR 2024 Fly on the Wall Press is excited to announce the return of the Northern Publishers' Fair in 2024. This free event is an opportunity for book lovers and industry professionals to come together and browse an impressive selection of books from some […]

Crime Central

Performance Space

Rob Parker continues to spoil you with another perfect panel of authors!  Joining him in April will be Judith O'Reilly, Charlotte Vassell and F.E. Birch!    Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country – the big names are all coming to […]

Central Library: Ten Years of Success

Wolfson Reading Room

Manchester Central Library is celebrating ten years since its major transformation, and 90 years since its grand opening by King George V on 17 July 1934. This display in the Wolfson Reading Room celebrates it's many achievements and successes over the last ten years. As the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Manchester’s libraries, and one […]

Olivia Laing: The Garden Against Time

Performance Space

Presented by Manchester Literature Festival. ‘A garden is a time capsule, as well as a portal out of time.’ In her compelling new work of non-fiction The Garden Against Time, Olivia Laing brings to life her own slice of paradise: the restoration of a garden designed by Mark Rumary of Notcutts. Alongside her own endeavours, Olivia […]

Tan Dun’s Ghost Opera and the Chinese New Wave

Performance Space

The work of a group of modern Chinese composers known as the ‘New Wave’ generation, including Tan Dun, Bright Sheng, and Chen Yi, has greatly boosted contemporary Chinese music. Po Hang Yuen’s talk will examine Tan Dun's use of ethnic elements, particularly focusing on Ghost Opera (1994). Free – booking required. Please support our cultural […]