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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260530T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260530T160000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20220519T095247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T143149Z
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SUMMARY:Mandarin Storytime
DESCRIPTION:Join our Mandarin Storytime. We will share the stories in Mandarin\, then English. Have fun and learn new words! Suitable for children aged 4–7. \nFree – drop in \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/mandarin-storytime/
LOCATION:Children’s Library
CATEGORIES:Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Mandarin-Storytime-scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260601T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260601T190000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20260501T151055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T151055Z
UID:13564-1780336800-1780340400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Music Q&A: 'THE BEAUTIFUL DEATH OF OZZY OSBOURNE' with KEITH KAHN-HARRIS
DESCRIPTION:Acclaimed author Keith Kahn-Harris will be coming to the Henry Watson Music Library to discuss his new book ‘The Beautiful Death of Ozzy Osbourne’. \nWhat is a ‘good death’? How about this: After years of terrible health\, you gather friends and admirers for one last\, glorious party. A couple of weeks later\, you slip away\, surrounded by your loving family. Then\, the world comes to mourn. That is how Birmingham’s favourite son\, Ozzy Osbourne\, died. \nBy his death in June 2025 – at an age few believed he’d reach – Ozzy was much-loved\, far beyond the metal world. Once a feared\, demonic figure to some (and a joke to others)\, his Back to the Beginning farewell concert at Villa Park raised millions for charity. \nIn concise\, arresting chapters moving from Death to Life via Art\, Politics\, Sex\, Bodies\, Voice\, Family\, Myth and more\, Kahn-Harris explores how Ozzy – of all people! – attracted such generosity of spirit. The answer\, he finds\, is deeply embedded within the story and culture of metal – and has lessons for us all. \nKeith Kahn-Harris has been writing about metal since the mid-1990s and he is one of the founders of Metal Studies as a discipline. Alongside his scholarly work\, he has written metal journalism for many years\, most recently for The Quietus\, alongside books on language\, and Jewishness. \nJoin Keith in person as he talks through the book at our Henry Watson Music Library on Monday 1st June at 6pm. \nTickets are just ‘pay-what-you-can’.\nAll donations go to Manchester Libraries.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/music-qa-the-beautiful-death-of-ozzy-osbourne-with-keith-kahn-harris/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260602T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260602T170000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20260401T142545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T142545Z
UID:13323-1780387200-1780419600@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Tayari Jones
DESCRIPTION:One of the most irresistible voices in contemporary fiction Tayari Jones discusses her highly anticipated new novel Kin. Born days apart\, Vernice and Annie share loss and friendship. Growing up in segregated America\, their paths diverge\, until danger forces Vernice to risk everything. An exploration of love\, loyalty and motherhood\, powerful.  \nPresented in partnership with the Centre for New Writing and Creative Manchester and supported by Library Live.  \nBooking tickets here  Tayari Jones | Manchester Literature Festival or ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-tayari-jones/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Tayari-Jones_c_Julie-Yarborough.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260613T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260613T150000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20260401T131346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T131346Z
UID:13319-1781359200-1781362800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Choirs Manchester - Live Performance
DESCRIPTION:Come along to the Henry Watson Music Library for some exceptional choral music from: Choirs Manchester. \nChoirs Manchester are a collective of choirs running in Chorlton and Withington. They are all about singing to feel good and love nothing more than performing their original arrangements of current and classic tunes. They have performed yearly at the renowned Manchester 10k\, at Refuge\, Manchester and are consistently part of local community events in South Manchester such as Chorlton Arts Festival and for the charity Emmeline’s Pantry. \nChoirs Manchester are led by the talented Sarah Adams\, who among her many other accolades has conducted the Manchester’s Survivors’ Choir and performed alongside Take That. As a singer/songwriter of her own accord\, she has also performed in reputable venues across the city such as Band on the Wall\, Manchester Academy\, Bury Met\, Deaf Institute and been part of the ‘Live at Lunchtime’ series at Bridgewater Hall. \nSpeaking about Choirs Manchester and their concerts\, Sarah says: \n“I pride myself on creating a relaxed\, no pressure environment that is all about singing to feel good and my ability to encourage a sense of community during a session. It is an empowering activity\, not just for an individual but also for connecting people as a group.” \nThis June\, take a seat in the historic music library\, sit-back\, watch\, listen\, and immerse yourself in their uplifting vibe. \nFree – just drop in. \nPlease consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/choirs-manchester-live-performance/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Choirs-Manchester.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260615T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260615T170000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20260320T094801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T095108Z
UID:13161-1781510400-1781542800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents Natalie Haynes
DESCRIPTION:Bestselling author and broadcaster Natalie Haynes returns to Manchester Literature Festival to discuss her powerful new novel No Friend to This House – an extraordinary reimagining of the myth of Medea.   \nBased on Euripides’ classic tragedy\, No Friend to This House explores love\, vengeance\, power and survival\, as Medea faces an impossible choice that will change the course of her and her family’s lives. Known for her bold and compassionate retellings of Greek mythology\, Natalie brings fresh life to this ancient story\, placing one of literature’s most misunderstood women centre stage.  \nJoin us to see experienced broadcaster Natalie Haynes discuss her enduring passion for the classics and why these ancient stories continue to resonate so powerfully today.  \n‘It’s superb: sharp\, funny\, inventive\, powerfully humane…she is one of the most brilliant women in the media.’ Katherine Rundell  \n‘Muse\, sorceress\, high priestess\, Haynes is all of these\, but above all she is the consummate storyteller.’ Adam Rutherford  \n‘an illuminating and often thrilling work of feminist reclamation…Haynes creates an account of her maligned protagonist that is powerfully affecting in its complexity.’ Guardian  \nNatalie Haynes is a Sunday Times bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster. She is the author of novels The Amber Fury\, The Children of Jocasta\, a feminist retelling of the Oedipus and Antigone stories; A Thousand Ships\, a retelling of the Trojan War from an all-female perspective and Stone Blind\, a re-telling of the Medusa story. Her non-fiction books include The Ancient Guide to Modern Life; Pandora’s Jar about the women in Greek myths and Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth.  \nShe has written and presented eleven series of BBC Radio 4’s Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics and is celebrated for bringing Greek myth and classical history to a wide contemporary audience.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nBooking tickets here Natalie Haynes | Manchester Literature Festival or ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-natalie-haynes/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260625T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260625T190000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20260303T153116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T153511Z
UID:13072-1782410400-1782414000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Music Q&A: ‘It's Time the Tale Were Told - A People's History of the Smiths'
DESCRIPTION:‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told – A People’s History of The Smiths’ is the story of one of the UK’s most influential indie bands and Manchester’s greatest musical exports. \nFeaturing the words of over 500 fans of the band\, this joyous new book has been collated by author and journalist Iain Key\, plus publisher Richard Houghton (Spenwood Books) will be coming to Central Library to tell us about it. From memories of their earliest club shows through to the last ever gig at London’s Brixton Academy\, this is a portrait of The Smiths as painted by the fans. \nWith personal photographs\, memorabilia\, anecdotes and first-hand accounts of more than 100 gigs\, readers will get a front row view of the indie music legends. Based on the songwriting partnership of Morrissey and Marr\, The Smiths’ 1985 album Meat Is Murder topped the UK album charts and their other three studio albums reached No 2. The band broke up in 1987 and turned down all invitations to reunite. \nIain Key is a recognisable face on the Manchester Music Scene from many years in the late ’80s and ’90s.A journalist for the tastemaker music site Louder Than War\, Iain has written over 500 pieces including music\, book and gig reviews. Iain has also produced weekly music shows for the last 4 years for Louder Than War Radio\, focussing on both new music and interviews with new and established acts. Iain has also edited People’s Histories of The Clash and Billy Bragg for Spenwood Books. \nIain will be speaking to the publisher of Spenwood Books\, Richard Houghton\, Expect an intimate\, in-person talk\, Q&A and book signing with the author.\n\nTickets are ‘pay-what-you can’ – available via Eventbrite here or clicking the ‘Book Now’ button below\, simply ‘pay-what-you can’. \nAll donations go to Manchester Libraries.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/music-qa-its-time-the-tale-were-told-a-peoples-history-of-the-smiths/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Richard-Iain.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260711T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260711T163000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20260410T140921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T132529Z
UID:13367-1783769400-1783787400@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Never Mind The Books Here’s PUNK DAY!
DESCRIPTION: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. \nA 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” by the NME\, it was a watershed moment that ushered in a new generation of artists and a new way of thinking\, and redefined music in the North\, and beyond\, forever.  \n\nWith the former Lesser Free Trade Hall just across the street\, the Henry Watson Music Library at Central Library will be commemorating that legendary date with a day that salutes everything PUNK.\n\nPromising a packed afternoon of themed talks and Q&As\, acclaimed author DAVID NOLAN will be presenting his book “I Swear I Was There – Sex Pistols\, Manchester and the Gig that Changed the World”. Despite thousands claiming they were in attendance\, only a handful of people were actually there – but those that were went on to form bands including The Smiths\, Buzzcocks\, Joy Division\, New Order and The Fall. In a myth-busting masterclass of investigative journalism\, Nolan has sorted the hardcore facts from the rock’n’roll fiction and will be appearing at the Library in-person to tell us exactly who really was at the Lesser Free Trade Hall gig\, and who has just been blagging… \n\nElsewhere\, Manchester music scene legend and talking head JOHN ROBB\, will be talking about his brand new book “Punk Rock Ruined My Life and Other Stories”. As the frontman of both Membranes and Goldblade\, and founder of tastemaker site Louder Than War\, John is a man who knows punk inside-out. Chatting through his new memoir\, he will be delving into his deep friendships with figures like Poly Styrene to Chris Packham\, growing up in Blackpool\, interviewing icons like Mark E. Smith to Patti Smith\, plus opening-up on a host of other riotous stories. \n\nPlus\, proving it wasn’t just the Pistols tearing up the rule book\, Louder Than War journalist IAIN KEY will be presenting his new “All The Young Punks: A People’s History of The Clash”. From their own punk explosion of 1976 to become an internationally acclaimed arena act\, Iain will be discussing their history with lifelong Clash fan PAUL HANLEY (ex-Fall). \n\nAnd in true punk spirit\, one of Manchester’s most fiery new acts DEAD STILETTOS will be performing live to show us that the legacy of what the Sex Pistols started in the Lesser Free Trade Hall is alive and well. DIY to the core\, the five-piece have been described as “Stoogified Mancunian Punk” and will deliver a shot of live rock’n’roll mayhem to close proceedings with a bang. \n\nBook tickets here or click on ‘Book Now’ below and ‘pay-what-you can’. All donations go to Manchester Libraries to support future activities.
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/never-mind-the-books-heres-punk-day/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Punk-Day-Poster-e1776086717208.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260717T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260718T200000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20251125T094235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260425T111222Z
UID:12113-1784282400-1784404800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:LOVE STORIES etc FESTIVAL
DESCRIPTION:#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! \nThe schedule for Friday 17th July includes… \n‘How to Boss Booktok’ with Ash Jayy from The Picture of Romance \n‘What Can an Editor do for You?’ with freelance editor Caroline Hogg \nA writer’s advice session hosted by the Romantic Novelists’ Association \n‘How to look Professional Online on a Budget’ with Branding Expert and Photographer\, Claire Gardner from The Authors Lounge \nA Book Bedazzling Party \nKindly sponsored by Vinci Books. Escape to the sun with a Sublime Retreats romance by Joy Skye!  \nA Booklovers tour of Manchester \nA Silent Reading Social Event \nWhy Romance Readers Should Rule The World with Bella North \nOn Saturday 18th\, we’re spoiling you with a bumper Author Day including –  \n Rosie Walsh\, Lizzie Damilola Blackburn\, Kate Lord Brown\,  \nCal Speet\, Rachel Hore\, Jessica George\,  \nCressida McLaughlin\, Kiley Dunbar\, Rufaro Faith Mazarura\,  \nLiz Fenwick\, Holly Hepburn\, Chloe Seager\,  \nBella Osborne\, Jill Mansell\, Kirstie Pelling\, \nRachel Wood\, Libby Page\, Beth Moran\, Megan Clawson \nBianca Gillam\, Matt Cain MBE\, Ellis Hunter \nJack Strange\, Tessa Bickers\,  \nCatrin Cadogan\, Roxy Dunn\, Annie Lord  \nRosie Storey and Georgia Stone!! \nDUE TO DEMAND\, EXTRA TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON EVENTBRITE HERE!
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/love-stories-etc-festival-2026/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event,Book Fair,Book Launch,Party,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GwxmwhMWIAAhUn5.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260725T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260725T170000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20260326T101226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T152504Z
UID:13220-1784966400-1784998800@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Stereo Listening Booth - LIVE!
DESCRIPTION:A special matinee show from the Manchester electronic act LIVE from the Henry Watson Music Library. \n\n\n\nEllesmere Port resident Patrick Oakford and Manchester’s Travis Eagle write and perform original electronic / dance / trance / club soundscapes under the name Stereo Listening Booth. \nReviewing the debut album ‘Disko Noir’\, Louder than War magazine described the experience as ‘somewhere between a less sleazy Soft Cell and more interesting New Order’. \nThe band’s mission statement is a simple one: ‘nothing ruled out\, nothing ruled in’. \nStereo Listening Booth will be performing live at selective venues throughout the year\, with an exclusive performance right here in the Henry Watson Music Library at Central Library. \nSpecial guests TBC – watch this space. \nBook tickets and make a donation on Eventbrite here or ‘Book Now’ below \nAll donations go to the Manchester Libraries Trust (registered charity number: 1150161). \n \nWatch / listen to “99 Otago St” here:  \n \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/stereo-listening-booth-live/
LOCATION:Henry Watson Music Library
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/461481165_122185480742216246_943961226134619298_n.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260820T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260820T200000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20260323T124607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T130833Z
UID:13179-1787252400-1787256000@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Puppet Folk Experience!
DESCRIPTION:The Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and beautifully crafted puppetry. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nManchester Libraries are so excited to welcome the wonderful Puppet Folk Experience to Central Library this August. It’s going to be the most sensational\, inspirational\, celebrational show!! \nThe Puppet Folk Experience is a joyful live show combining acoustic music and beautifully crafted puppetry. \nMusician Andy and puppeteer Liam bring songs\, characters\, and playful storytelling together in a performance full of humour\, nostalgia\, and warmth. Featuring lively banjo-led music and an ensemble of expressive puppet characters\, the show celebrates the charm of classic puppetry and musical storytelling. \nThe Puppet Folk Experience delights audiences young and old with a performance that is heartfelt\, imaginative\, and full of fun. \nDoors opem 6.30pm \nPerformance starts 7pm \nCafe and bar will be open all evening. \nTickets are only £5 plus booking fee. There is also a buy 4 tickets for the price of 3 offer! \n\n\n \n 
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/the-puppet-folk-experience/
CATEGORIES:Culture,Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PFE-Promo-1-scaled-e1774271567395.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260825T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260825T170000
DTSTAMP:20260506T200851
CREATED:20260424T114411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T114411Z
UID:13503-1787644800-1787677200@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manchester Literature Festival presents An Evening with Mieko Kawakami
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an unmissable evening with one of Japan’s most celebrated young novelists.   \nThe Booker-shortlisted author of Heaven and Breasts and Eggs\, Mieko Kawakami makes a rare visit to the UK to launch Sisters in Yellow\, a gripping\, stylish noir set in Tokyo’s shadowy underbelly.   \nHana is fifteen\, hopeful and living in a tiny Tokyo apartment with her mother\, with no money and no security. Then Kimiko enters her life – a bright\, magnetic force who offers escape. Together they open Lemon\, a shabby bar that becomes a fragile haven of friendship\, independence and possibility. For a moment\, Hana feels invincible. In the narrow alleys of Sangenjaya however\, nothing is as it seems\, and hope can quickly turn to danger.   \nTwenty years later\, Kimiko stands trial for a shocking crime\, and Hana must confront her own past and its devastating consequences.  \nDark\, hypnotic and utterly compelling\, Sisters in Yellow confirms Mieko Kawakami as one of the great writers of her generation.  Join us as she discusses sisterhood\, betrayal and the stories that haunt us.  \n‘This is not the Japan you find in novels about cats\, cafés and bookshops. Kawakami draws back this cosy façade to reveal the grimy reality underneath — and she does it with consummate style. With Sisters in Yellow\, she proves she is still the most exciting Japanese novelist at work today’ The Times  \n‘I can never forget the sense of pure astonishment I felt when I first read Mieko Kawakami’ Haruki Murakami  \nMieko Kawakami is the acclaimed author of the internationally best-selling novel Breasts and Eggs\, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and one of Time’s Best 10 Books of 2020. Her other novels\, translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd\, include Heaven\, shortlisted for the 2022 International Booker Prize\, and All the Lovers in the Night. In 2024\, Sisters in Yellow won the Yomiuri Prize for Literature in Japan. Her books\, translated into over forty languages\, are known for their insights into the female body\, and philosophical questions surrounding gender\, class\, and ethics in modern society. Born in Osaka\, Kawakami lives in Tokyo\, Japan.  \nA Manchester Literature Festival event supported by Library Live.  \nBooking tickets here or ‘Book Now’ below
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/manchester-literature-festival-presents-an-evening-with-mieko-kawakami/
LOCATION:Performance Space
CATEGORIES:Author Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://librarylive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Mieko-Kawakami-photo-cropped-for-LL.jpg
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