January 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Nigeria-Biafra war (1967-1970). The Nigerian civil war invites profound questions on issues like the legacies of British colonialism, the challenges of peaceful ethnic coexistence, mass starvation and humanitarianism, and the influence of foreign powers on African politics. This event brings together academics, film-makers and […]
Join us for a celebration of Chinese arts, crafts and culture on one of our exclusive Sunday openings. We are celebrating the Year of the Rat with musicians, artists and activities for all the family. Soak up the atmosphere with traditional Chinese music, art and dance. Take part in an afternoon packed full of Chinese […]
As part of Holocaust Memorial Day, Manchester Jewish Museum's song-writing group will present an initial performance of songs inspired by the moving stories of Jewish Refugees arriving in Cheetham in the 1930s and 1940s. We have been working with baritone singer Peter Brathwaite (originally from Cheetham) Israeli opera composer Na'ama Zisser and community composer and […]
As part of Holocaust Memorial Day, Holocaust Brunch explores what it's like living in the shadow of genocide and displacement. Darkly funny, moving and provocative, this show asks how we can honour the histories we inherit whilst breaking free from them, and whether the weight of inheritance can be turned into a gift. Admission fees […]
WORD CENTRAL open mic poetry and spoken word hosted by Tony Curry February's special guest poet is Ben Mellor Ben is writer, performer and facilitator who has worked in theatres, festivals, schools, colleges and prisons nationally and internationally. He has created seven touring theatre shows incorporating spoken word, storytelling, theatre, music, beatbox and vocal looping. […]
Common Salt Sheila Ghelani and Sue Palmer Common Salt is a performance around a table – a ‘show and tell’. It explores the colonial, geographical history of England and India taking an expansive and emotional time-travel, from the first Enclosure Act and the start of the East India Company in the 1600s, to 21st century […]
Celebrate LGBTQ History Month with the wonderful Rosie Garland and her favourite Manchester based LGBTQ performers, poets and authors! Novelist, poet and singer with post-punk band The March Violets, Rosie Garland has a passion for language nurtured by public libraries. Her work has appeared in Under the Radar, The North, Spelk, Rialto, Butcher’s Dog, Ellipsis, […]
Join us for lots of enchanting arts and magical crafts as we celebrate all things Harry Potter! Suitable for families. Under 8's must be accompanied by an adult Free – please drop in
Mark Devereux Projects presents a new performance by artist Sophie Lee with SHE Choir, Manchester. Taking place in various spaces within the venue, the artist has written and produced a new song combining words and phrases from forgotten books as part of her touring project, Always Something Moves. Free-please drop in
Join us for an exploration of Manchester's LGBTQ+ history specially curated by the LGBT Foundation Archive team. There will be a chance to find out more about the LGBT Foundation archive and the work of the volunteers who manage it and to share memories and information. There will be a chance to view some of […]
What do George V, Gypsy Rose Lee and Bernard Bresslaw have in common? Which musician was once thrown out of the Language and Literature Library? What would you find now in the space where Patrick Stewart and Helen Mirren - amongst many others - played their first roles? All these questions - and many more […]
Once, twice, three times a lady! The gorgeous Angel Delight is back by popular demand for her 3rd party night at Central Library! This time we're celebrating LGBTQ History Month with lots of games and fun, including a queer version of Mr and Mrs! Over 18's only. Doors open at 6.30pm Bar open all evening […]
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.
