2017 is a landmark year for Pakistan, the nation turned 70 and the British High Commission marked this anniversary by showcasing important milestones, human stories, and the bonds which exist between the UK and Pakistan. The UK and Pakistan share a past and are striving together to pave the way for a shared future as well. […]
A celebration of books For fashion designer, environmentalist and businesswoman Vivienne Westwood, books have always been among her great loves. At this special event she shares her passion for reading and the inspiration it can bring to all, with selections from some of her favourites. This free event is broadcast live from the British Library […]
Alison Light, author of Common People, will be talking about family history and genealogy. Alison will be reflecting on the work she did for her own family history, published as the acclaimed book Common People. Talk starts at 5.30pm This event is sponsored by Ancestry.com and is part of a two-day event considering International Family History Free […]
Join a choir for the day, to rehearse and perform a selection of songs from the ground breaking Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper plus other well-known songs from the era. As a choir, you will learn distributed material from scratch, rehearsed during the day by choral director Eleanor Mottershead with piano accompaniment from Tim Mottershead […]
Henry Normal is a writer, poet, TV and film producer, founder of the Manchester Poetry Festival (now the Manchester Literature Festival) and co-founder of the Nottingham Poetry Festival. In June 2017 he was honoured with a special BAFTA for services to television. Raining Upwards is Henry’s first all new poetry collection in over twenty years. […]
Think you know your Lindy Hop from your Charleston or your Slow Drag from your St Louis Shag? We’re celebrating Older People’s Day with a smooth afternoon of jazz classics featuring the fabulous Rachel Rogers and the Swing Kings!! The afternoon also includes welcome mocktails on arrival and interval treats of tea, coffee and cakes for everyone! […]
A poignant look back at at Manchester Airport as seen through the lens of acclaimed photographer Shirley Baker, thirty years ago, having spent a day at the airport in 1987 capturing the experiences of passengers using the airport. The exhibition includes photos chosen by the public and Manchester Airport staff. As well as capturing various areas of […]
Light up your Saturdays in October - take part in the Diwali lantern parade. Celebrate Dashehra Diwali Mela at our family lantern making workshops. Everyone at the workshops can take part in the main procession on Saturday 14 October. The procession will lead into the spectacular finale performance and firework display in Albert Square. Don’t […]
Asha Lul Mohamud Yusuf is fast emerging as one of the most outstanding Somali poets. Although she has lived in exile in the UK for twenty years, through recordings, TV and the internet, her poems are well known among Somalis both at home and abroad. A powerful woman poet in a literary tradition still largely […]
THIS EVENT IS FULLY BOOKED Join us for an intimate evening with one of Ireland’s best-loved writers, Roddy Doyle, discussing his books, his films, and his forthcoming novel, Smile. It tells the captivating story of Victor Forde, for whom a chance meeting in a pub conjures up long-buried childhood memories – and it’s a book about how we all […]
Manchester Metropolitan University’s Manchester Fashion Institute is involved in an exciting new project that explores the individual and civic identities of Greater Manchester’s young people through style, fashion and dress. Academics Jo Jenkinson, John Earnshaw and Zoë Hitchen have been working with young people to establish how clothing can be used as a catalyst for self-awareness and personal expression, capturing portraits of […]
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED A sharp-eyed, merciless commentator on modern times and modern mores, from the sublime to the ridiculous – no one writes quite like Will Self. Join us for a conversation with the cult author, broadcaster and critic about his new novel, Phone, a wildly funny send-up of contemporary British life. Through the chronicles of Jonathan […]
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.
