What's on

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 […]

Fun Palaces

Join us for this free family event where people come together to share their skills, passions and interests! Meet a professional beekeeper, get involved with some ABBA-themed crafts, and much more! Visit www.librarylive.co.uk for more info. Free entry – just drop in.

Let’s Talk Money – Exclusive Book Launch and Talk

Performance Space

As part of our Black History Month celebrations, we're proud to welcome Tynan Matembe. This award-winning money coach, global speaker and passionate advocate for financial inclusion will be launching her new book, Conquer Your Financial Giants: Proven Steps to Master Your Money and Build Wealth. Free – booking advised via Eventbrite

Manchester Literature Festival presents Simon Armitage

Performance Space

Poet Laureate and Festival favourite Simon Armitage returns to Manchester Literature Festival to read from his two new collections, Dwell and New Cemetery.    In Dwell, inspired by the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, Armitage brings to life the fragile homes of animals and insects, blurring the lines between human and creature, nature and artifice. […]

Hallé Ancoats Community Choir

The Hallé Ancoats Community Choir was founded in 2014 to bring the joy of communal singing into the heart of Ancoats. Led by inspiring choral conductor Stuart Overington, the Community Choir sings regularly across city centre locations and has performed at numerous special events including: ‘With One Voice’ Manchester Arena commemoration; the ‘Somme 100’ event […]

Manchester Literature Festival presents Sarah Hall & Daisy Johnson

Performance Space

Join us for a captivating afternoon with two of Britain’s most original literary talents, Sarah Hall and Daisy Johnson, as they discuss their haunting new books exploring nature, myth, folklore and the female body.  In Helm, Sarah Hall (twice Booker Prize–nominated, winner of the BBC National Short Story Award) conjures a ferocious wind in the […]