What's on

Silence is Golden

Henry Watson Music Library

Join us for live music from local artists on Saturday afternoon. This summer the Henry Watson Music Library plays host to a special guest – Yamaha’s SILENT Piano™. As part of a new collaboration between Yamaha and selected libraries across the UK, the Henry Watson Music Library hosts a SILENT Piano™ across the summer months. […]

The Lowry Saturday Spectacular Takeover

Performance Space

Join The Lowry team at Central Library to get a taste of their newest free family exhibition: Julia and Axel – celebrating 30 Years of Favourite Stories. From arts and crafts to interactive storytelling and engaging workshops, plus a chance to watch one of the stories on the big screen, the whole family can have fun […]

Musical Theatre Workshop

Performance Space

Join Manchester Libraries for a super summer musical theatre workshop, brought to you in partnership with the Palace Theatre & Manchester Opera House. Sessions include a 2-hour practical musical theatre and movement session led by industry professionals. You can also explore the beautiful Palace Theatre on a backstage tour and ask any questions you have […]

Word Central

Performance Space

Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word Hosted by Tony Curry Presented by Flapjack Press & Manchester Libraries A free event every month at Manchester Central Library, St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD Next event: Tuesday 29th August, 6.00pm - 7.45pm (doors open 5.40pm) with special guest poet Róisín Maguire

Paper Piano Presents: Gideon Conn

Henry Watson Music Library

Another "Paper Piano Presents", this time with Gideon Conn, the first artist to appear on the label. Known for effortlessly blending acoustic soul, jazz and hip hop, Gideon has a unique performance style that makes people very happy. Thought provoking lyrics glide over catchy melodic hooks with guitar playing different from any you’ve heard before. […]

Back to School Activity

Performance Space

Sharpen your pencils and get your sports kit ready – it’s back to school! Come and decorate your own gym bag and more. Suitable for ages 4–11 Free – just drop in. Please support our cultural programme by donating at our cash or contactless donation boxes.

Futures for All

City Library

GMCA: Futures for All is an employability skills programme for young people across Greater Manchester with SEN, that empowers employers to recognise and celebrate the value of a diverse workforce inclusive of young people from the SEND schools and settings. The exhibition showcases a series of short films co-produced with alumni from SEND schools across […]

Jesse Armstrong: Succession The Complete Scripts.

Performance Space

SOLD OUT To celebrate the release of The Complete Scripts, we are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming writer and producer Jesse Armstrong to Manchester to talk about his highly acclaimed TV series SUCCESSION. Collected for the first time, the complete scripts of Succession feature unseen extra material and reveal a unique insight into Jesse Armstrong's writing, creation and […]

£10

Heritage Open Days: Family Event

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Central Library and Archives+? Join us on this fun, fact-filled library trail as we take you into the depths of our treasured venue. Tours take place on the hour - see links below to book: 1pm tour - book here 2pm tour - book here 3pm […]

Elizabeth Raffald – England’s Most Influential Housekeeper

Performance Space

Manchester-based historian Neil Buttery presents a talk about the rise & fall of one of Britain's most influential cookery writers, Elizabeth Raffald. Join historian Neil to explore the life, times and legend of the great Elizabeth Raffald of Manchester. Elizabeth was once a household name, and her list of accomplishments would make even the highest […]

Black British Book Festival on Tour

“Manchester has been unveiled as one of cities taking centre stage in a summer tour to celebrate the Black British Book Festival this year. In its third year the Black British Book Festival is Europe’s largest celebration of black literature and a fast-growing and a widely acclaimed event showcasing black authors and providing a platform […]

Sikh Community Book Launch

Performance Space

Join Sarup Singh Landa, whose father was the first Sikh High Priest of the Sikh Temple in Moss Side, for the book launch of the history of Sikh communities' achievements in Manchester over the past 70 years. Free - for more details email rrarchive@manchester.ac.uk