IMLD 25: The Rising Sun documentary film screening
2025-03-04 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Performance Space
“We had dreams, goals, prospects, and we were working towards them…Everything was perfect! And now…”
No family, no home, no language…
The Rising Sun is a documentary about a happy life that was destroyed by Russia, leaving darkness, uncertainty and fear ahead. This is the heart breaking story of a young woman who, with her young son and a great tragedy of her own, found herself in the UK because of the war in Ukraine.
The Rising Sun won Best Documentary at the Manchester Film Festival Awards in 2024.
In Ukrainian with English subtitles. Running Time: 72 minutes.
Strictly suitable for ages 16+
This event is part of International Mother Language Day 2025, organised by Manchester City of Literature.
All proceeds go to SUNFLOWER MANCHESTER a Manchester charity supporting those affected by war in Ukraine.
Book tickets here or using the ‘Book Now’ button below. Pay what you can.

Celebrating the Manchester Corinthians
2025-03-05 17:30 - 19:00 | Performance Space
The pioneering Manchester Corinthians women’s football team was established during 1948-49. They toured the globe promoting the sport, Manchester and female endeavour at a time when women’s football was banned by the Football Association.
Experiencing tours to Portugal, Germany, South America, North Africa, Italy, France and Spain during the 1950s to 1970s, the Corinthians also played a significant role in overturning the FA ban, establishing the Women’s FA and creating regular competition domestically and internationally.
Gary James will be discussing their history, talking of the challenges they faced and the club’s achievements during a 40+ year existence. In 2019 Gary established a campaign to erect permanent tributes to the players and his authorised history of the club was published in January 2025. He has been attending and researching women’s football since the 1980s.
Gary has captured the stories of women who played for the Corinthians throughout its history, including three women in their 90s who were there at the start in 1948-49. A couple of the Corinthians are anticipated to be present at the talk.
Copies of Manchester Corinthians: The Authorised History will be available on the day at a discounted price of £20 (RRP £25)
Free – Booking required below
Note – you will receive an automated email confirmation for booked tickets – check your spam / junk folder if not in your inbox

Women's Community Festival 2025
2025-03-08 11:00 - 14:00 | Performance Space
International Women’s Day (IWD) is returning to Manchester as a celebration of women’s empowerment, equality and contributions to the city at Manchester Central Library on Saturday 8 March.
Led and inspired by an already significant history of pioneering women, IWD 2025 is a chance for women across all generations and dedicated allies to come together in advancing women’s rights in Manchester and around the world.
The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Accelerate Action’, which calls on supporters of gender equality to act against systemic barriers women from all backgrounds face in their personal and professional environments.
In recent years, Manchester City Council has marked IWD with a dedicated ‘Walk for Women’ event. This year, however, the Council has joined forces with a diverse range of women-led community organisations to co-design a different approach.
Funding was made available for community organisations to host IWD events across the city through the annual IWD grants programme. A celebratory community-led programme of workshops, performances and discussions has also been planned for the day itself at Manchester Central Library based around the acronym HER: Heal Encourage, Revive.
The events for IWD 2025 are:
Heal – Performance Space
·  Flourish Together; Mindfulness Activity for relaxation and meditation, 11am-1pm
·  Equal Education Chances; letter writing and positive affirmations session, 11:20am-12:15pm
Encouraged – Performance Space 2 and 3
·    Community Thriving Together; sharing personal stories and overcoming challenges, 11am-11:50am
·   Trailblazers; Creating bookmarks and stitching
·   Young Identity with Shirley May; poetry performance by Young Identity members, 11:55am-12:15pm
·   Flourish Together; a 30-minute fireside chat chaired by Nickala Torkington about women changemakers, 12:20pm-12:50pm.
Revived – Performance Space 2 and 3
·     Bollyfit; an exercise class inspired by multicultural dance, 1pm-1:30pm
·     Councillor Ermina Bell will give a closing speech about the event, 1:35pm-1:45pm
·      DJ set to inspire and uplift
Glass Room/Sensory Space
·     Flourish Together; Bookable pop-up spa for treatments for 20 mins including Indian Head Massage in a clothed and seated setting, 11am-2pm
The events on the day will be accompanied by partner stalls of specialist community organisations including Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH), Manchester Rape Crisis, Fikawele African and Caribbean Mental Health, Walksafe  and Ahmed Iqbal Ullah (AIU) RACE Centre who will be on hand to raise awareness and promote their services.
Councillor Erinma Bell, Lead Member for Women, said: “Manchester has long been a city that has championed and supported women in the fight for gender equality.
“It’s fantastic to see the range of creativity and innovation in the events this year for International Women’s Day with the aim of accelerating further action for women to thrive personally and professionally. “I would encourage women from all backgrounds and generations to get involved, because there is something for everyone and to advocate for more allies join in on the celebrations and inform our priorities for advancing women’s equality this year.”
For more information or to book your place visit Women’s Community Festival.

IMLD 25: How to Make a Tank Disappear - Screening
2025-03-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Performance Space
At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, in one Ukrainian village, a story took place that spread around the world. Even the Polish president tweeted about it. Local Roma people stole a Russian tank. One fine day, one high-tech combat vehicle became less without a single shot. There was a tank, and it swam away. Later a lot of things that shoot, explode, and kill disappeared additionally- mortars, cannons, rockets etc. In that cases not only the Romani but also other people inhabiting Ukraine have tried. In the video performance we will tell you how it happened and why Romani was not punished at all.
The video-performance was created by Kherson Theatre Lab within British Council’s Creative Producers Program in 2024-2025.
Film running Time: 30 minutes, followed by an audience Q&A with the film author, Mykola Homanyuk, Associate Professor at Kherson State University
In English with Ukrainian subtitles – no age restriction
Book tickets here or using the ‘Book Now’ button below (please pay what you can)
This event is part of International Mother Language Day 2025 from Manchester City of Literature.

Emma Barnett
2025-03-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Performance Space
‘I am writing this because I think another woman will need to read it.’
Broadcaster, author and journalist, Emma Barnett joins us to discuss her honest, relatable and funny new book Maternity Service. Written in real time after the birth of her second child, Emma draws parallels between lockdown and maternity leave before exploring the challenges faced by women when their lives are turned upside down. Emma’s perspective is invaluable for anyone with a rose-tinted view of what this period of a woman’s life entails and particularly for anyone about to embark on their own period of maternity service. It is a story filled with love too – tough love and the gooey kind.
Manchester-born and raised, Emma is an award-winning broadcaster and journalist. Named Interviewer of the Year at the British Journalism awards and Speech Broadcaster of the Year by the Radio Academy, she is a presenter on BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme. Previously, she was the chief host of BBC’s Woman’s Hour, the longest running women’s programme in the world and also a Newsnight presenter on BBC Two. And before that, BBC Radio 5 Live’s mid-morning weekday programme coming straight out of Salford – five minutes from the hospital where she was born. Emma writes a bi-weekly newspaper column for the I paper and a newsletter on Substack called Trying.
Presented by Manchester Literature Festival and chaired by Kate Feld, writer and host of the Feminist Book Club. Supported by Library Live.
Tickets: Book here or click on the green ‘Book Now’ button below, or phone the box office on 0161 876 2015

Bill Leader Celebration
2025-03-19 14:00 - 19:30 | Henry Watson Music Library
Bill Leader Celebration, with readings, live music and discussion panels. Guests confirmed include 2024 winner of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards (‘Best Singer’ category) Rioghnach Connelly, Oldham ballad singer Jennifer Reid, UK/South African folk duo Nastee Chapel, Liverpudlian shanty singer Andy Kenna and topical songsmith Stanley Accrington. Further names are yet to be announced. Bill, 95, will join by a Zoom set-up.
Bill Leader is the prolific sound engineer and producer, was the person who first recorded Bert Jansch, the Watersons, Shirley Collins, Anne Briggs, Mike Harding, Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty (the latter pair as The Humblebums), the Oldham Tinkers, Nic Jones, Dick Gaughan, Christy Moore, Martin Simpson, The Young Tradition, the Incredible String Band, etc.
Whilst at Central Library, you may also like to visit ‘Sounding the Century’, an exhibition which runs till the end of March, which gathers the paper ephemera – flyers, magazines, catalogues, programmes, posters, original artwork, broadsheets, contracts, cuttings etc. – accumulated by Bill over his lifetime.
Free – just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Mystery International Film Screening
2025-03-24 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Welcome to the second edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series.
Event Details:
• Doors open: 17:15
• Introduction to the film: 17:30
• Film starts: 17:40
• Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3)
• Popcorn: FREE!
• Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café!
At the Film Society, we aim to bring you the very best of global cinema— hoping to shine a light on underseen gems from around the world —enriching our collective film knowledge and experience. To make it even more exciting, each month you’ll have the chance to vote on 5 fantastic films, and the one with the most votes will be screened with the winner being revealed at the start of the event.
YOU CAN VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE FILM HERE.
To help you choose, there’s more information about this month’s contenders here:

Murina 2021, Croatia
Platformed by Martin Scorsese, this debut feature from Croatian filmmaker Antoneta Alamat Kusijanović, is the story of a young girls struggle for self-determination against the wills of her controlling father. Set against the gorgeous but brutal and rugged scenery of the Adriatic Coast, the film sees Julija search for agency after her family dynamic is turned upside down by the arrival of an old family friend, Javier, whom Julija thinks could offer the chance at an escape from her circumstance. A complex film filled with jealousy, rebellion and troubling desires all in support of the often-painful journey of young adulthood – beautifully photographed against a sea that is just as troubling, painful and absolutely gorgeous.

Interview 1971, India
A formally fascinating Bengali film set against the hustle and bustle of the evolving landscape of early 70s Calcutta. Mrinal Sen’s film focuses on the difficulties of economic betterment in a culture still affected by the lingering ghost of colonial hangover as his quest to prepare for a job interview by getting a suit to wear is met by comically unyielding hardship. Using the raw techniques capitulated in Italy and France, Sen blends fiction and documentary to create a critique of a society with ideals firmly routed in the past yet focused on the future. Engaging, provoking and inspiring.

Yeelen 1987, Mali
From a legend of the Bambara people director Souleymane Cisse crafts a film that would be the Winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival. Father and son go head-
to-head in a mythical chase across the 13th Century Mali Empire. Magic and destiny pulse through this fantastic film as do beautiful images and rugged landscapes as life and death, destiny and determination, and dark and light are explored in this one-of-a-kind filmic experience. The films storytelling is compelling and original, creating a modern myth of the old world inspired by folklore and history in equal sway. You’ve seen films about folklore and magic before but never like this and never this departed from the usual Hollywood presentation of such ideas.

Walking the Streets of Moscow 1964, USSR
Valodya, a young Siberian writer embarks on a trip to Moscow where he immediately bonds with the charismatic Kolya. Simple joys of a now forgotten era abound in this beloved Soviet comedy that is emblematic of the cultural shift that occurred during the period known as the Khrushchev thaw, with societal and cultural restrictions loosening and becoming freer. Focusing on the city with its many wide boulevards and intimate alleys and all the various quirky characters that are encountered along the way. Creating a picture of a Soviet people that are lively and joyous and from a diverse array of backgrounds. It also looks inwards at youth and the fleeting moments that define a lifetime to create a piece that elicits a nostalgic quality even if we were not there to experience it firsthand.

Peking Opera Blues 1986, Hong Kong
A witty ensemble action comedy that explores gender roles and challenges traditional norms against the backdrop of early 20th century China and the rich history of the Peking opera directed by one of the most dynamic filmmakers in Hong Kong’s storied film history. A jewel thief, a revolutionary and the daughter of an opera house owner collide in a quest for stolen jewels in this rollercoaster action adventure that is a total blast from beginning to end. Showcasing the lush costumes, makeup and traditions of the Peking Opera while also telling a high-intensity, female-focused adventure make this a must watch for people looking to explore Hong Kong cinema.

Word Central with guest poet Lateral G!
2025-03-25 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word.
Tuesday 25th March, 6.00pm – 7.45pm
Doors open 5.40pm and free entry.
Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Lateral G.
Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 11th March via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk.
N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe.
Performance slots are allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis from the stated booking time. If they are already filled you will be offered a place on the reserve list.
Political, quirky and authentic, our special guest Lateral G tells stories of life from her downwardly mobile perspective, with wry observations on society, ageing, and the general impossibility of living well in a capitalist system. It’s an engaging combination of serious stuff, with an amusing performance. A nomadic traveller, she lives on the road and has recently returned from a solo winter in southern Europe for a spring and summer of poetry events, festivals and slams all over the North and as far south as the Midlands. You can keep up with her at lateralg.co.uk.
Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries.

Black British Book Festival Manchester
2025-03-29 10:00 - 16:00
The Black British Book Festival is set to return to Manchester Central Library next year following a successful event at Manchester Central Library in September 2023.
The festival will bring the incredible energy, culture and celebration of Black British literature to the city on Saturday 29th March 2025.
It is another incredible opportunity to connect with inspiring Black British authors, storytellers, and book lovers right here in Manchester. It is open to all and free to attend. It will be a day to celebrate Black voices and stories through workshops, the chance to participate in panels and buy books and more.
Founded by Selina Brown in 2021, the Black British Book Festival is Europe’s largest celebration of Black Literature and has taken place in London each Autumn. This year’s London event featured talks from Grammy Award® winning rapper Eve Jihan Cooper; Diane Abbott discussed her experiences in a panel titled “A Woman Like Me,” while journalist and presenter Charlene White led an insightful session.
The Festival prides itself on having events in different parts of the country with the Manchester Central Library event the latest to be announced.
Appearing at the event in Manchester will be DJ Paulette, Kehinde Andrews, Joseph Coelho, Kimberley Whittam, Kit De Wall, Cebo Campbell and many more!
Councillor John Hacking Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said:
“We are delighted that during Black History Month we can announce the return of the Black British Book Festival to Manchester. We are proud of our year-round diverse cultural programme, and the work Read Manchester has done to ensure our residents can see themselves in the books held in libraries.
“We are so pleased the Festival is returning to Central Library in March next year. Last year’s event in Manchester was inspirational and I’m sure the upcoming event will be too.”
FREE TICKETS CAN BE BOOKED HERE OR AT THE LINK BELOW!!

Our Lives, Our Privacy
2025-04-01 08:00 - 2025-06-30 17:00 | First Floor
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is marking its 40th anniversary with an exhibition of 40 items, showing how privacy and information rights have played a pivotal role at prominent times during the past four decades.
Free – just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast - E3: DJ Paulette
2025-04-02 - 2025-05-01 | Online
Now in its third episode, Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns with another feast of features for its listeners.
This month’s big interview comes from the legendary DJ Paulette, who speaks to the podcast about her incredible life, brand new book ‘Welcome To The Club’, and her involvement in the upcoming Black British Book Festival at Central Library.
The ever popular ‘Branch Out’ feature finds host Alan Lynch speaking to the Archives+ department of Central Library, and getting the scoop on the innovative new Local Images website with Alison Gill and Malcolm Cohn in conversation.
There is also a book review of a certified classic, ‘Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone’, delivered by an avid reader and the podcast’s youngest contributor yet.
Plus, Alan and his What’s On sidekick Gary Parkinson deliver the skinny on all the best and most interesting events happening across Manchester Libraries this month, including Gorton Library‘s new Death Cafes, the long-awaited reopening of Chorlton Library, Lego Club, festivals, and much more.
‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast’ takes listeners behind the shelves of our city’s much-loved libraries. Presented by the Central Library’s own Alan Lynch, every month the podcast lifts the lid on a treasure trove of insider tips, exclusive interviews, book reviews, and much more.
Tune into the podcast for FREE on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube and more here: https://push.fm/fl/4zwaab71

Listen on Spotify here:

Or Apple Music here:

Or YouTube here:

French Film Club: L’Année du Requin
2025-04-07 17:45 - 19:45 | Performance Space
Alliance Française de Manchester present this month’s film, ‘L’Année du Requin’. Maja, a maritime police officer in the Landes region, faces her worst nightmare coming true: retiring early! Thierry, her husband, has already planned the camping spot and the mobile home. However, the disappearance of a holiday-maker puts the entire coast on alert: a shark is lurking in the bay! Assisted by her young colleagues Eugénie and Blaise, she seizes the opportunity to take on one last mission…
Screening is in French with English subtitles. Suitable for 12 years and over. Under 18s remain the responsibility of their parent / guardian.
Free – booking required

Manc Holes and Beyond Exhibition
2025-04-10 08:00 - 2025-06-27 17:00 | First Floor Display Cases
The Manchester Manhole Collective is proud to present Manc Holes and Beyond, the world’s first exhibition celebrating the art and design of manhole & drain covers. These well-trodden yet often overlooked works of art that adorn the streets, roads & pavements of Manchester and beyond.
Amaze at how these heavy industrial designs exemplify art at the heart of cities and towns and witness how they have inspired individuals to photograph, paint, write poems & books, create ceramics, make films and produce interior designs such as fabrics and wallpapers. Our hope is to encourage people to seek out these urban art forms, engage their imaginations, be inspired, and join community of operculists knowing that creative activities help improve mental health and wellbeing.
Whilst creative pursuits help improve mental health and wellbeing, the services of charities in the arena of mental health are indispensable. As such, The Manchester Manhole Collective, encourage individuals to support We are Survivors, the Manchester based charity that offers help male survivors of sexual abuse.
Free – please drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Mystery International Film Night
2025-04-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Welcome to the voting page for the third edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series.
Event Details: Monday 14 April 2025
• Doors open: 17:00
• Introduction to the film: 17:30
• Film starts: 17:40
• Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3)
• Popcorn: FREE!
• Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café!
At the Film Society, we aim to bring you the very best of global cinema— hoping to shine a light on underseen gems from around the world —enriching our collective film knowledge and experience, while also having a corker of a time. To make it even more exciting, each month you’ll have the chance to vote on 5 fantastic films, and the one with the most votes will be screened with the winner being revealed the day of the event.
For the first two events the crowds voted on films from Hong Kong and Japan, so today we’re moving away from Asia for a little while and focussing on some often-underexplored movie cultures.
This month’s contenders are:
The Milk of Sorrow

Dir. Claudia Llosa, Peru
A moving psychological study through the lens of traditional Latin American magical realism. Based around the Peruvian belief that trauma can be passed from mother to daughter through the breast milk of the mother, the film examines the devastating impact of the atrocities committed during the Peruvian internal conflict on the psyche of the nation. While obviously speaking directly to the Peruvian identity, there is a broader understanding of the hardships of womanhood on a global level.
Ixcanul

Dir. Jayro Bustamante, Guatemala
A beautiful film that gives a voice to Kaqchikel people and stories – the first in history to do so – employing far more conscientious efforts toward authenticity than most representations of indigenous groups in film. Maria, a teenage girl, dreams of leaving her village but is due to be in an arranged marriage with the local foreman – the film explores her various attempts to find purpose and freedom in a culture that is lost somewhere between Mayan and Christian traditions and where life seems just out of the periphery of opportunity.
The Cyclist

Dir. Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Iran
A Champion Cyclist, strapped for cash and in need of a way to pay for his wife’s medical bills enters into a ridiculous spectacle challenge of a non-stop seven-day endurance cycle. With the spectacle a commercial scene rises up around the man and a microcosm of capitalist exploitation begins to form. The films simple premise is presented with the high tension of any great melodrama and the elements that build, and build are delirious and frustrating with the film culminating in one of the most brazen endings to a film of all time. Intense, tragic and genuinely edge of the seat.
The Damned Don’t Cry

Dir. Fyzal Boulifa, Morocco
Different societal oppressions conflict with and destroy individuals in this lyrical, Sirkian story of humanity in both beauty and brutishness. The story revolves around Fatima-Zahra and her teenage son Selim, who are constantly on the move to escape the scandals that follow them. When Selim uncovers the truth about their past, Fatima-Zahra decides to start anew in Tangier. However, their quest for legitimacy strains their volatile relationship, pushing them to their limits and the limits of social conventions around them.
Enamorada

Dir. Emilio Fernandez, Mexico
A triumphant classic of Mexican cinema. Enamorada is a romantic melodrama that manages not only to craft a beautiful film filled with passion and yearning but also addresses those same ideas of passion and yearning in the hearts of revolutionaries. Set during the Mexican Revolution, General Reyes, a rebel leader, takes control of the conservative town of Cholula. While there, he encounters Beatriz the strong-willed daughter of the town’s wealthiest man. Despite their initial clashes, a romance develops between the two, challenging their beliefs and transforming their lives. Expertly staged and performed, a perfect example of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema.
Cast your vote here, tell everybody you know about the event and we really look forward to seeing you there.

Full Volume podcast: 'Emma Barnett'
2025-04-22 - 2025-05-23 | https://push.fm/fl/actjsf7o
Springing into the new season, FULL VOLUME: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is back with a brand new episode for April.
Packed with fantastic features, the lead interview this month finds our host Alan Lynch going head-to-head with top political journalist Emma Barnett. Perhaps best known for hosting the Today Programme on BBC Radio 4 and Woman’s Hour, Emma is also an esteemed columnist and author. Recently appearing at Central Library to talk about her new book ‘Maternity Service’, you can hear her chatting candidly about Manchester, maternity leave and motherhood on the latest podcast.
Plus, later in the show, as a fellow mum and Central Library’s new Interim Manager, Stephanie Hogan, heads into the book review corner to share her experiences and give her verdict on Emma’s ‘Maternity Service’.
Elsewhere, Alan takes a trip out to Gorton Hub for this month’s ‘Branch Out’ segment. Speaking to members of the community on World Book Day, he gets the skinny on some of the wonderful events and services on offer there such as ‘That Bread & Butter Thing’. And listen out for young book lover Oliver and his Guinness World Record breaking ambitions…
Ben Reed of the charity Music For The Senses also makes an appearance to talk about an exciting new Guitar amnesty and art trail project taking place across the city this Summer.
And of course, there’s the usual round up of exciting happenings across Manchester Libraries for the month ahead, with Alan’s faithful sidekick Gary Parkinson dropping by with his picks of the bunch and a chat about the grand re-opening of Chorlton Library. Standby for more on Chorlton in the next edition….
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‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast’ takes listeners behind the shelves of our city’s much-loved libraries. Presented by the Central Library’s own Alan Lynch, every month the podcast lifts the lid on a treasure trove of insider tips, exclusive interviews, book reviews, and much more.
Receiving rave reviews and overwhelming support from listeners, the podcast has so far featured special guests such as celebrated authors Dame Jacqueline Wilson and DJ Paulette, plus Manchester City Council’s Head of Libraries, Galleries, Culture and Youth, Play and Participation Services Neil MacInnes OBE, Manchester City Council photographer Barrie Leach speaking about his exhibition ‘Our Town Hall: Portraits of a Workforce’, and more.
‘Episode 4: Emma Barnett’, the fourth episode of ‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast’ is on all major streaming services now.
Turn it up, and tune in to Episode 4 of Full Volume – now: https://push.fm/fl/actjsf7o
Watch out for Episode 5 in May…

Exploring Immigration: A Dialogue on Building Our Shared Future
2025-04-23 18:30 - 19:30 | Performance Space
Overview
Join us for an illuminating evening of honest conversation about one of the most significant forces shaping our society. As Manchester continues to evolve into an increasingly diverse metropolis, we’re bringing together remarkable community leaders to explore how immigration enriches our city while thoughtfully addressing the challenges of creating a truly integrated society.
Tickets are free but booking is essential. To book your ticket, please visit MACFEST’s Eventbrite page below.
Our Distinguished Speakers
Qaisra Shahraz MBE JP FRSA
An acclaimed British-Pakistani novelist and activist, she has dedicated her life to weaving connections between communities. As founder of MACFEST (Manchester’s Muslim Arts and Culture Festival), she creates spaces where different cultures can meet, share stories, and discover their common ground. Her work demonstrates how art and culture can transform understanding between people of all backgrounds.
Erinma Bell MBE DL JP
Brings invaluable perspective as a British-Nigerian community peace activist, councillor, and pioneering leader. Her groundbreaking work in Moss Side and Longsight has shown how strong communities can overcome serious challenges through cooperation and mutual support. As the first woman honoured with a sculpture in Manchester Town Hall / Central Library, her legacy inspires new approaches to building safer, more connected neighbourhoods.
Topics for Discussion
Together, they’ll explore questions that matter to all of us: How do we honour both shared identity and cultural distinctiveness? What role can education play in bringing communities together? How can we support newcomers while strengthening existing community bonds? Drawing from their rich personal and professional experiences, our speakers will share insights into creating a society where everyone can thrive.
Event Chair
Guiding this important conversation will be Darryl Morris, the award-winning broadcaster, filmmaker, and writer known for his thoughtful approach to complex social issues. His skilled facilitation will help us move beyond simplified debates to explore practical paths forward.
Audience Participation
This evening isn’t just about listening – it’s about participating in shaping our future. We warmly invite audience members to share their experiences, questions, and ideas as we work together to envision and build a more connected Manchester.
Join us as we explore how our city’s diversity can become its greatest strength.
Practical Information
Tickets are free but booking is essential. To book your ticket, please visit MACFEST’s Eventbrite page below.
Accessibility Information
Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk

Dark Blue World - Czech Film Screening
2025-04-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Performance Space
80 Years of VE Day: Czechoslovak RAF Pilots on Screen and in Real Life.
image credit: photo © Biograf Jan Svěrák
Please join us for a film screening of Dark Blue World, a 2001 film by Czech director Jan Svěrák, the Academy Award-winning director of Kolya, about Czech pilots who fought for the British Royal Air Force during the Second World War. The film screening will be followed by an informal talk with Jitka Režná, daughter of General František Fajtl, one of the Czech RAF pilots who fought in WW2 and inspired creators of the film. Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Manchester and Czech School and Community Manchester have put together the event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Reuniting the creative team responsible for Kolya, 1996 Oscar® winner for Best Foreign Film, under Czech director Jan Sverak, Dark Blue World tells the story of the friendship between two Czech pilots, the veteran Franta (Ondrej Vetchý) and fresh-faced young trainee Karel (Krystof Hádek). They escape Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, make their way to Britain and join the Royal Air Force. When Karel’s plane is hit and he bails out in the countryside, he is taken in by Susan (Tara Fitzgerald), an Englishwoman whose husband is missing in action. In a moment of weakness, she makes love to Karel, relieving him of his virginity. But later, when Karel takes Franta to meet his “new love,” Franta and Susan are attracted to each other, leading to a situation that will put the two men’s friendship to the ultimate test.
Language: Czech with English subtitles. Suitable for ages 12+.
Free – Please register here or using the ‘book now’ button below.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Word Central with Dominic Berry
2025-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Seminar Suite, Floor Two
Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word.
Doors open 5.40pm and free entry.
Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Dominic Berry.
Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 15th April via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk.
N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is essential that you stay within this timeframe.
Performance slots are allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis from the stated booking time. If they are already filled you will be offered a place on the reserve list.
Our special guest this April is Dominic Berry, a Manchester-based performance poet renowned for his eloquent yet uncompromising stage shows and a desire to confront inequality. Dominic’s work has taken him across the continents of Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Australasia. He has been Glastonbury Festival’s poet in residence, won Manchester Literature Festival’s Superheroes of Slam and New York’s famous Nuyorican Poets’ Café Slam, and has also twice been publicly voted Sabotage Review’s Best UK Spoken Word Performer.
Dominic’s new collection of selected poems, How Can I Be Now?, is published by Flapjack Press and available now.
Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries.
FREE EVENT. EVERYONE WELCOME.

Kevin Barry
2025-05-01 19:00 - 20:15 | Performance Space
‘A true wonder’ – Max Porter
Tom Rourke, poet, doper, drinker is struggling to make a life for himself amongst the Irish migrant workers seeking to make their fortunes in Butte, Montana. Then Polly Gillespie, wife of a mine captain, walks into his life. Sparks fly, the lovers flee West, but will they reach the sunset before they’re caught? Kevin Barry’s latest novel The Heart in Winter is a rollicking, thrilling and hilarious ride, described by Anne Enright as ‘An absolute belter of a book’ and Jon McGregor as ‘A glorious and haunted yarn. Marvellous.’ Join us to find out what inspired Kevin to write about the American Midwest in the 1890s.
Kevin Barry is the author of four novels and three short story collections. His awards include the Goldsmiths Prize, the Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award and the Lannan Foundation Literary Award. His previous novel Night Boat to Tangier was longlisted for the Booker Prize. The Heart in Winter was named The Sunday Times Historical Novel of the Year and chosen as a book of the year in numerous publications including The Guardian, The New Statesman, The Irish Times and the TLS.
Presented by Manchester Literature Festival in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester. Supported by Library Live.
Tickets: Book here or click on the green ‘Book Now’ button below, or phone the box office on 0161 876 2015

VE Day Archives Handling Sessions
2025-05-02 13:00 - 14:15, 2025-05-09 12:00 - 13:15 | Ground Floor
Join us for a chat and a chance to have a look at some great objects from our archives as we honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Free – no need to book – just drop in
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

Mystery International Film Screening May 2025
2025-05-06 08:00 - 17:00
This event is for individuals aged 15 and over.
Welcome to the fourth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series.
Event Details:
Monday 12th May.
• Doors open: 17:00
• Introduction to the film: 17:30
• Film starts: 17:40
• Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3)
• Popcorn: FREE!
• Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café!
At the Film Society, we aim to bring you the very best of global cinema— hoping to shine a light on underseen gems from around the world —enriching our collective film knowledge and experience, while also having a corker of a time. To make it even more exciting, each month you’ll have the chance to vote on 5 fantastic films, and the one with the most votes will be screened with the winner being revealed the day of the event.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE AND BOOK TICKETS AT THE LINK BELOW!
This month’s contenders are:
Black Orpheus (1959, Brazil/France)

A reimagining of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice transposed to Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval. Orfeu, a trolley conductor, falls in love with Eurydice, a country girl fleeing danger. With an influential bossa nova soundtrack by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá, it remains a significant cultural bridge, introducing global audiences to the allure of Brazilian music and cinema.
Tumbbad (2018, India)

Rahi Anil Barve’s early 20th century set folk horror follows Vinayak Rao’s quest for a hidden treasure in the cursed village of Tumbbad, a quest that turns into a dark fairytale about greed and power. Known extensive use of practical effects and animatronics. From conception to release it took 21 years for Barve’s film to see the light of day, a real labour of love.
The Cremator (1969, Czech Republic)

This dark comedy film – and I do mean dark – tinged with gothic horror follows Karel Kopfrkingl, a crematorium worker in 1930s Prague, who descends into madness influenced by encroaching fascist ideology and Tibetan Buddhism in a film that slyly comments on the slippery slope into totalitarianism and the transformation of the average person into somebody complicit in evil. The film is celebrated for its surreal style and chilling portrayal of Kopfrkingl’s transformation into a murderer.
The Housemaid (1960, South Korea)

Directed by Kim Ki-young, this domestic horror film tells the story of an upper-middle-class family whose lives are upended by a predatory housemaid. The film is a classic of Korean cinema, known for its intense psychological drama and social commentary. Influential and well-known in South Korea, being remade several times and often expanded and riffed on.
Electra, My Love (1974, Hungary)

Quite unlike anything else you’re likely to have seen, this film reinterprets the Greek myth of Electra in a mythical world where a tyrant faces rebellion. Known for its extremely long complex takes, with just twelve shots in its 70 minute run time, the film explores themes of revolution and renewal – all while being one of the most visually stunning films to ever see the light of day.

Laura Bates
2025-05-13 19:00 - 20:15 | Performance Space
AI-powered technologies are revolutionising our lives and putting women and girls in danger. In her urgent and gripping new book The New Age of Sexism, Laura Bates delves into our future and finds it wanting. From chatbots to sex robots, from deep fakes to the metaverse, Laura examines how existing forms of discrimination, inequality and harassment are being coded into the very foundations of our future world while a small group of obscenely rich white men prioritise their profits over our lives.
A bestselling author, journalist and ground-breaking campaigner, Laura is the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project. Her books include Everyday Sexism, Fix the System Not the Women, Men Who Hate Women, Misogynation and Girl Up. She is also a contributor at Women Under Siege, a New-York based organisation working to combat the use of sexual violence as a tool of war in conflict zones worldwide.
Hosted by Helen Mort, award-winning poet, novelist and creative writing lecturer.
Presented by Manchester Literature Festival in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester. Supported by Library Live.
Tickets: Book here or click on the green ‘Book Now’ button below, or phone the box office on 0161 876 2015

Creative Archive Workshop Series: Rivers, Industrial Heritage, Regeneration
2025-05-17 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-05-21 17:00 - 18:30
‘So from the river we acquire an idea of human community. That is one of its most salutary features, so deeply imbued that we scarcely notice it.’ (Ackroyd, 2007: 11)
Ackroyd P (2007) Thames: Sacred River. London: Vintage.
Fiona Brehony invites us to explore relationships to waterways using creative writing and re-sounding exercises using visual, audio and text-based archive materials. The force and vibrancy of a river (as physical river and time-capsule containing heritage) is a great opportunity to use embodied approaches to understand the scale of a river. We will playfully engage in possibilities of being and being with the river; connecting personal objects used to serve tangible daily experiences, with seemingly intangible objects such as a river.
Fiona is incorporating archive materials into her own research to explore ecological and socio-material histories of the River Irk in Manchester, UK. She is working both independently with materials to create audio and visual representations and engaging local people in creative workshops with archive materials. Fiona is interested in exploring Cultural Memory of places, which refers to the collective practices that societies use to build and uphold their relationship to the past and present.
This workshop series is an opportunity to playfully consider our personal relationships to waterways, what we can learn from the ‘liquid history’ they contain, and the ways they connect us to places and people.
Bio:
Fiona is a Manchester based research-practitioner, working within spaces between Geography, documentary film, sound art and performance.
Since October 2023, Fiona has been working on a PhD research project that engages in possibilities of rivers as Cultural Heritage, with a particular focus on river engagement in areas of regeneration.
Fiona’s art practice explores the relationship between history, memory and visual and written narrative. She employs a research-based approach, working across a range of media. Previous artworks have utilised specialist expertise, involving collaboration with scientists and composers, to create lyrical and inquisitive connections between people and their environment. Fiona’s work takes the form of creative documentary and audio-visual installations that are exhibited in galleries and museums.
Free – Just drop in.
Please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

VE Day: From Siberia to Bologna - A Polish Odyssey
2025-05-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Performance Space
“Other soldiers were here in transit and had a ‘return ticket’ home. The Poles acted as if they had come home. Why? Because they had no home. Poland had been taken over by Stalin.” Alberto Spadoni, recalling the liberation of Bologna by Polish soldiers on 21 April 1945.
Join us for a unique glimpse into the history of the Polish community to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, exploring the extraordinary journey of the Polish forces and their pivotal role in the Italian Campaign (1943-1945).
Our event will open with a poignant performance by the Polish children’s dance group from Manchester, led by Asia Gwiazdowska-Cullinan. Asia was handed a cultural legacy by her grandparents, who, unable to return home after the war, cultivated Polish song and dance so that future generations could continue to enjoy these traditions.
Following the performance, Marek Mrozek from The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum in London will present a moving account of the II Polish Corps. Formed from civilians deported from their homes in Poland to Soviet labour camps, they became a fighting force of over 55,000 men and women. Their remarkable bravery and sacrifice were instrumental in key battles across Italy, including Monte Cassino, Ancona and Bologna, as part of the British Eighth Army.
This event is organised by Polish at Heart and forms part of this year’s celebration of Polish Heritage Days. It is sponsored by the Polish Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester.
Image copyright permission: Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe (The Polish Digital Archives).
Free – please use the ‘Book Now’ button below to reserve your seat or click here.
Please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Full Volume Podcast: 'Stanley Chow'
2025-05-22 - 2025-06-21 | https://push.fm/fl/actjsf7o-80012
Brought to you by the recently awarded ‘Library of the Year’, Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is back for a fantastic fifth episode.

Filled with all kinds of facts, features and library-based fun, this month’s big interview finds Full Volume sitting down with esteemed artist, illustrator and all-round good guy Stanley Chow. From how The White Stripes helped launch his artistic career to Grammy Nominations and his love of Manchester, there’s also chat of his recent collaboration with Central Library. Tune-in to get the full scoop.
A blockbuster ‘Branch Out’ feature finds our host Alan Lynch reporting back to the studio about the grand reopening of Chorlton Library. Speaking to some of the longstanding staff there about their memories of the library and their opinions on its glamourous makeover, Alan also chats to former Lord Mayor Paul Andrews who was also in attendance for the big reveal.
Elsewhere, brace yourself for an in-depth analysis of Stephen King’s psychological horror classic ‘The Shining’ from one of Central Library’s brightest new recruits.
Plus, Alan and his plucky What’s On sidekick Gary Parkinson bring you all the best events happening across Manchester Libraries this month, including the return of the award winning Festival of Libraries in June, which features “Out of this World” Sunday Funday at Central Library, the arrival of some high tech VR Headsets, and hot picks from your favourite local libraries. Plus, listen out for the very exciting news of Manchester libraries being awarded the prestigious ‘Library of the Year’ at the recent British Book Awards 2025. More on that in the episode.

‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast’ takes listeners behind the shelves of our city’s much-loved libraries. Presented by the Central Library’s own Alan Lynch, every month the podcast lifts the lid on a treasure trove of insider tips, exclusive interviews, book reviews, and much more.
Receiving rave reviews and overwhelming support from listeners, the podcast has so far featured special guests such as celebrated author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, plus Manchester City Council’s Head of Libraries, Galleries, Culture and Youth, Play and Participation Services Neil MacInnes OBE, Manchester City Council photographer Barrie Leach speaking about his exhibition ‘Our Town Hall: Portraits of a Workforce’, BBC broadcaster and esteemed newspaper columnist Emma Barnett, and more.

‘Episode 5: Stanley Chow’, the fifth episode of ‘Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast’ is on all major streaming services now.
Turn it up, and tune in to Episode 5 of Full Volume – now: https://push.fm/fl/actjsf7o-80012

Watch out for Episode 6 in June…

Real Contentment Exhibition
2025-06-02 10:00 - 2025-06-17 17:00
Exploring the natural world through literature and between UK and China, this exhibition is a culmination of a nine month project that forges a lasting connection between the UNESCO Cities of Literature and of Lifelong Learning.
Free – drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online

The Embassy of Utopia 2025
2025-06-04 11:00 - 19:00 | Performance Space
The Embassy of Utopia came to Manchester Central Library in June 2024 as part of Festival of Libraries for its UK premiere, and was a collaboration between Manchester UNESCO City of Literature and Capital of Culture 2024 Tartu UNESCO City of Literature. Due to popular demand, we are running this event again for Festival of Libraries 2025.
Artist and writer David Hartley will host over 60 performances during this year’s Embassy of Utopia event, where bold individuals and community groups have been invited to share reflections on the theme of eco-futures and ecology in the broadest sense. Performances from members of Fuse Manchester and Muslim Social Justice Initiative, our very own multilingual city poet Nóra Blascsók, community members from the Let’s Talk Rochdale group, international artists from Quebec and Nanjing, and work developed via a special collaboration with the Sonder Radio Community will be programmed throughout the day. Expect storytelling, academic reflections, poetry, music, and more.
Please note that no hate speech will be tolerated and that there will be photography on the day.
Free – click ‘Book Now’ below or book here
Please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Art Bites
2025-06-04 12:00 - 14:00
Join us at Central Library for a fun and informal chat about art. Our ‘neighbours’ from Manchester Art Gallery will be bringing reproductions of works of art to the library. Get to know art works through talking with others. No previous knowledge of art needed.
Free entry – just drop in.
Please consider making a donation to support our Library Live programme here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
