We are a group of collective creatives who use film and media to produce original productions which are hopefully both thought provoking and offer a fresh view of how film and live interaction is brought together. If you have any questions or constructive ideas or just want to find out more about how you can […]
We're very excited that Nick Sharratt is now the subject of a magical exhibition at Central Library. The well loved author of classic picture books including Shark in the Park, and illustrator of books by authors including Jacqueline Wilson is celebrated in this interactive and action packed exhibition. Nick says: 'I'd like to invite you […]
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
Manchester Voices is an ongoing project investigating and celebrating the accents, dialects, and people of Greater Manchester. It looks at the ways in which our use of language makes us who we are and explores perceptions of the way we speak across the region. Following a successful tour of the ten boroughs in our Accent […]
Calling all Witches, Wizards and Muggles! It’s time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour of the Wizard Academy and learn to become an expert in mystery and magic. During this interactive experience you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your […]
This special exhibition features work from artists taking part in creative workshops at the Booth Centre, which aims to bring about positive change in the lives of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and help them plan for and realise a better future. The Booth Centre runs creative workshops every day for […]
WORD CENTRAL a semaphore-exploding mind-flow open mic poetry & spoken word hosted by Tony Curry Wednesday 5th July Manchester Central Library 6pm - 8pm Free entry All of July's open mic slots are now filled To get your name on the reserve list please email mail@flapjackpress.co.uk
The Architecture School for Children have worked with 4 local schools from the Moss Side and Hulme area of Manchester, St Marys C of E Primary, Claremont Road Primary, Webster Primary and Martenscroft Nursery School, to help them learn about Piccadilly Gardens in the past and re-imagine a Piccadilly Gardens of the future. This exhibition […]
Come into Central Library to pick up your Trail map and plan your summer activities around our BookBenches! Venues across the city are hosting 58 BookBench sculptures - all decorated by local schools and community groups. Pick up a map and start ticking them off as you see them and get involved in the summer […]
In 2014 Daniel Hutchings made Django Away! (the j is silent). Now he’s back and he’s on the brink of success beyond his wildest dreams. Daniel Hutchings is the self-proclaimed Freelance Giggle-oh and he’s got his big break on Gemma Wilde’s show. Hutchings is introduced to the world with such fascinating facts as his favourite […]
In this fascinating exhibition, artist Richard Bartle explores in minute detail the customs and icons of major world religions and belief systems. Manifested in a series of 12 scale modelled garden sheds, the work reduces the usually grand architecture of churches and temples into more private spaces of worship. Viewers are invited to make their own […]
Pop in and see this wonderful LEGO model of Central Library, which was built by Robert Clarkson for ‘Bricktastic’ at Manchester Convention Centre in 2015. It has been shown around the country and is here now, 'inside itself', in the Central Library Search Room, for a limited time only! Robert says: 'My hobby is creating […]
In 2014 Daniel Hutchings made Django Away! (the j is silent). Now he’s back and he’s on the brink of success beyond his wildest dreams. Daniel Hutchings is the self-proclaimed Freelance Giggle-oh and he’s got his big break on Gemma Wilde’s show. Hutchings is introduced to the world with such fascinating facts as his favourite […]
What stories can be uncovered from a city? every thing every time, a new flip-dot artwork by Naho Matsuda, takes information from our interactions within the city to tell a new story about the people and the places of Manchester. With the rise of the ‘Smart City’ asking important questions of what we want from […]
Join us for a fun afternoon of free family activities. Have a go at letterpress printing with images from the archives. Create your own wonderful prints to take home. The Architectural School for Children will be visiting to deliver a book-making workshop. Free - no need to book - just drop in
Join us at Manchester Central Library for a live screening from the British Library celebrating science writing past, present and future. There will be a panel discussion beamed from the British Library chaired by Dara O'Briain and including Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Vivienne Parry and Professor Mark Miodownik - with your chance to put questions […]
Hear the stories behind some of the magazine's featured headlines; “Anderton on the rampage” “Poppers the price you pay" “Gay sauna raid” “Job security for lesbian and gay workers" “New gay bar in Bolton" Amateur yet unashamed, over its lifespan (1978- 1986) The Mancunian Gay magazine documented the evolution of the LGBT rights movement in […]
Faye MacCalman (clarinet, tenor saxophone)/John Pope (electric bass)/Christian Alderson (drums) Faye MacCalman fronts Newcastle sax-bass-drums trio, Archipelago, drawing on garage rock, minimalism and free improvisation: riffs, silence, noise and grooves create a collage of hard-edged blocks of sound that evolve over the performance. A Manchester Jazz Festival event Free - please drop in (subject to availability)
Otto Willberg (double bass)/Harry Smith (tenor saxophone)/Alexander Tod (drums) A fiery take on the sax-bass-drums trio format, favouring short and snappy tunes in the spirit of punk: free improvisation delivered with humour, melody and fun. “The band has been described as “Imagine Eric Dolphy playing Stravinsky-esque circus music and you’ll get some inkling of the kind […]
Electrifying guitarists Alex Roth, Chris Montague and Chris Sharkey exploit the instrument’s full potential to create music of extremes, using extended techniques and expansive soundscapes. Advance: £8.50 (inc 50p bkg fee) / OTD: £10 A Manchester Jazz Festival event
Andrew explores the capabilities of the pocket piano – a tiny, hand-built synthesiser. He improvises sweeping soundscapes using both intricate textures and simple melodies. Bristol sax and drums duo, Run Logan Run strive for intensity within the moment - from quiet, bird-like noises to huge, monolithic sounds. Advance: £8.50 (inc 50p bkg fee) / OTD: […]
Clouds both celebrate and challenge the preconceived charm of this beloved instrument with new music embracing minimalism, folk and classical - interspersed with improvisation. Advance: £8.50 (inc 50p bkg fee) / OTD: £10 A Manchester Jazz Festival event
WORD CENTRAL a semaphore-exploding mind-flow open mic poetry & spoken word hosted by Tony Curry Thursday 3rd August Manchester Central Library 6pm – 8pm Free entry To get your name on the August reserve list please email mail@flapjackpress.co.uk
Tom Thorp’s new ensemble of nimble-fingered, northern talents subverts the roles within the saxophone quartet with experimental composition techniques: energetic and always musical. Advance: £8.50 (inc 50p bkg fee) / OTD: £10 A Manchester Jazz Festival event
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.