What's on

Saturday Spectacular: Lowry Takeover

Performance Space

Come join the Lowry at Central Library and get involved in some fantastic fun for all the family. Enjoy arts and crafts, interactive storytelling and engaging workshops. There will also be the chance to watch family classics on the big screen, and more! Free - more info to follow Please consider making a donation if […]

Ghastly Stories for Gruesome Gremlins -EVENT CANCELLED

Children's Library

THIS EVENT HAS  BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.AND WILL BE RESCEHDULED IN THE FUTURE A Spooky & Silly Storytelling Show for 7+ told by Gav Cross. Gav does not believe in ghosts, has never seen a ghost, doesn’t think there are monsters under his bed. But he cannot get enough of the stories that […]

Mystery International Film Screening

Performance Space

Welcome to the sixth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:25 • Film starts: 17:30 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café! To celebrate half a years’ worth of screenings, we’ll […]

Not just any old iron! Afternoon Lecture

Performance Space

Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been […]

Not just any old iron! Evening Lecture

Performance Space

Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been […]

Crime Central Returns!

Performance Space

Get it in your diaries!! Crime Central returns 24th September with a monster! Jo Furniss, Louisa Scarr, KJ Whitle and Michael Wodd will all be joining Rob Parker at Manchester Central Library. Don't miss it! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the […]

Northern Publisher’s Fair

Performance Space

The Northern Publishers' Fair returns this autumn with its biggest celebration yet of independent publishing, taking place on Saturday 27th September 2025 from 11am to 3:30pm at Manchester Central Library's Performance Space. Organised bi-annually by Fly on the Wall Press, this free-entry event will showcase the diverse landscape of independent publishing across the North, featuring 16 publishers […]

Ear Soup – Acoustic Food for the Soul

Henry Watson Music Library

Join us in the Henry Watson Music Library for one hour of musical magic. 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

Word Central

Performance Space

Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Lisa Moore. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 16th September via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is […]

Macdara Yeates and Jennifer Reid

Henry Watson Music Library

Join us for a special performance featuring Macdara Yeates and Jennifer Reid trading ballads and broadsides on related topics to illustrate the shared cultures of Dublin and Manchester and the song traditions that would have been active in the two cities in the industrial revolution. Macdara Yeates is an Irish folk singer. Born and raised […]

Names, Traditions and Meanings Exhibition Launch

Performance Space

Come and join Amani Creatives CIC at the launch of The National Heritage Lottery funded FUMBO Exhibition and event to explore the heritage of naming traditions of African communities in North West England. Enjoy free music, dance and drumming workshops, face painting and African cuisine. Exhibition runs 2-31 October 2025 near the café area, ground floor. […]

ABBA: Over 50’s Party!

Performance Space

SORRY, THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT. IT'S THE ABBA OVER 50'S PARTY! Take a chance on a super trouper afternoon at Central Library. Two hours of Abba classics to celebrate Older People’s Day! Featuring the fab solo Abba tribute artist ‘One of Us’! Mama Mia * Money Money Money * Fernando * Super Trouper […]