Join us this July for something a little different at the Henry Watson Music Library — a relaxed, beginner-friendly ukulele workshop. Led by tutor Jim Wallace, this Ukulele Lesson is all about confidence, connection, and enjoying music together in a welcoming setting. For 25 years, Jim has been bringing his passionate music teaching experiences to […]
Part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations marking the anniversary of the Sex Pistols’ legendary Lesser Free Trade Hall, the New Horizons Choirs will be performing a special punk set. New Horizons is a fun, welcoming, inclusive choir who meet for a sing every week in the Manchester Central Library. With a varied repertoire of songs, from […]
Aged 12 – 16 and love reading? Join our teen book club. We don’t have a set text we simply come together to chat about what we have read over the last month. At the same time, we might do a craft, zine making, make a reading journal or bookmark etc. We are a friendly […]
This July, the Henry Watson Music Library will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Sex Pistols’ iconic 1976 gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall. A definitive milestone in the city’s musical history, Sex Pistols’ first appearance in Manchester has since become the stuff of rock legend. Named “the most important gig of all time” […]
Enjoy a special edition of the Central Library’s legendary Family Film Club! Bring the family for an afternoon of themed crafts and a family classic on the library’s huge screen. Screenings start at 1.30pm – drop in from 1pm. Most suitable for under 12s. Free - drop in Please make a donation to support our […]
Intergenerational Music Making invites you to join our age inclusive creative sessions, designed to bring communities together. Every session will include opportunities to get creative through music, art, poetry, movement, storytelling, and meaningful conversations that bring people together. Held in the beautiful Henry Watson Music Library within Manchester Central Library, the sessions are relaxed, flexible, […]
Book Launch: Like Never Before by Alistair McGowan. Monday 13th July, 6.00pm – 7.15pm. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Comic, poignant, and observational, Alistair’s new poetry collection embraces the theme of a changing world – linguistically, politically, and environmentally – and the changes we all experience as we age. This is Alistair – like […]
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 - 6, but all family members are welcome. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […]
Manchester Central Library and the Instituto Cervantes of Manchester proudly present the Hispanic Film Club. Join us for this month's film, La isla mínima. The Manchester Central Library and the Instituto Cervantes Manchester present the Hispanic Film Club, with a special series that celebrates the richness and diversity of Spanish-language cinema. This programme shines a spotlight […]
Join us at the Henry Watson Music Library — a relaxed, beginner‑friendly Vinyl DJ workshop where everyone’s welcome to bring a few favourite records. Led by vinyl DJ and host Maimuna (DJ MuMu), this session is all about connection, creativity, and enjoying music together in a friendly, social setting. You’ll learn the basics of cueing, blending, and […]
#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! LAST FEW TICKETS HERE. The schedule for Friday 17th July includes... On Saturday 18th, we're spoiling you with a bumper […]
Brought to you by Manchester Literature Festival, Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs, play and craft to explore children’s picture books. Most suitable for children aged 2 - 6, but all family members are welcome. Free – just drop in. Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural […]
From dedicated performance spaces to stairwells, screens, nooks and domes, Central Library might directly inspire your next event or intervention. Contact us to arrange a tour.
