What's on

Henry Normal: Travelling Second Class Through Hope

Performance Space

Better known as co-writer of award-winning TV and film shows such as The Royle Family, The Mrs Merton Show, The Parole Officer, Coogan’s Run and Paul Calf, and producer of, amongst many others, Oscar-nominated Philomena, Gavin and Stacey, Moone Boy, Uncle and Alan Partridge, Henry Normal started his writing career as a poet. Born in […]

An Evening with Patrick Ness

Performance Space

The bestselling author of The Rest of Us Just Live Here and A Monster Calls (now a major motion picture) will be talking about and signing copies of his new novel, Release. Release is the most personal and tender novel yet from Patrick Ness, the twice Carnegie Medal-winning author of A Monster Calls. It's Saturday, […]

£7

Fermata-with Arundo Quartet

First Floor Display Cases

In today’s digital society, people are constantly bombarded with information, meaning that chances to switch off are almost impossible to find. Rising pressure online and offline has prompted an alarming decline in our mental health, with one in four people now experiencing a mental health problem as often as every 12 months. By bringing together […]

Juliet the Moon

Letters sent between Frank Merrick, pianist and tutor at the RNCM, and his wife Hope Squires throughout Merrick’s imprisonment during WWI for being an opponent to the war effort provide the inspiration for this unique evening of music, as part of Manchester After Hours 2017. RNCM composers Philippos Rousiamanis and Deane Smith have written two new […]

Saturday Spectacular – Picture a Story

It's National Share a Story Month in May! Help us create an interactive storybook for our upcoming "Read Manchester" Book bench. We would like you to help re-tell Manchester's iconic history using stop-motion animation*, artwork and illustration, performance and green screen. All ages welcome, no need to book. *Stop-motion animation activity for ages 13+ Free […]

Hari Kunzru – EVENT CANCELLED

EVENT CANCELLED Manchester Literature Festival have released the following statement: 'Upon reflection, we have decided to cancel our event with Hari Kunzru and Nikesh Shukla at Central Library on Thursday 25th May. We have been deeply saddened by the incident in Manchester earlier this week and know the reverberations are still being felt across our great […]

£6 – £8

Just an Ordinary Lawyer

Performance Space

“The British Empire was trying desperately to hold on to its colonial possessions by any means … and the foul would often override the fair.” Tayo Aluko follows the multi-award winning Call Mr Robeson with another brilliantly put-together history lesson delivered as art, as we host the first performance in the North West. Nigerian Tunji […]

£8

North West Film Archive – 40th Anniversary Exhibition

First Floor Display Cases

Since 1977, the North West Film Archive has been collecting and preserving the region’s filmed heritage, and making it available for people to enjoy.  This exhibition showcases a selection from eclectic collections of photographs and ephemera relating to the local film and cinema industries. Free – please drop in

Amore!

Performance Space

If music be the food of love...join us and the City of Manchester Opera to hear beautiful, accessible, opera. Conductor: Juan Ortunõ Accompanist: Jonathan Ellis Book tickets at www.comoperasec@btinternet.com  

£10

Chameleon Youth FREE Taster Session

Performance Space

We’ll provide the spark - You create the movement. Chameleon Youth is looking for raw dance talent. Chameleon Youth, Manchester’s youth dance company based at Central Library, is calling out for young people with raw dance talent and a big desire to dance and be creative. If you’re age 11 to 18, this is an […]

Sunday Funday – Manchester Day

Visit the library to celebrate Manchester Day. Explore and discover the magic of science, crafts, face-painting, performance and drama. Fun for all the family! Kindly supported by The Oglesby Charitable Trust and Manchester Central Library Development Trust