This exhibition showcases the Our Town Hall project on the major refurbishment to Manchester Town Hall, taking place until 2024. During this time, a series of creative projects that connect the people of the city with the Town Hall will run - engaging new networks of artists, organisations, communities and international partners to work together. […]
A exhibition of many previously unseen photographs of the area now covered by the Manchester Arndale. They include the pubs, clubs, chapels and many shops and businesses swept away to build the shopping centre. From the book 'Manchester's Lost District' by Keith Warrender. Free - please drop in
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 […]
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with Manchester Libraries! We've lots of events for all families, including a - Drag Queen Storytime with Angel Delight Family craft sessions Green screen photography Celebration disco Free – please drop in
Get costume ready for World Book Day on Thursday 5th March! Let us help you get your character ideas flowing and costumes started! Come along for inspiration and assistance in designing, cutting and stitching felt masks, head-dresses and logos to bring your Gruffalos and Gangsta Grannies to life! Free – please drop in
Join young people who want to discuss and debate a range of subjects in this informal setting. This month’s debate club coincides with Refugee Week, and young people will be discussing issues faced by children torn from their home. If you are a young person who has relocated to the UK, come and join us and share your […]
Blackwell's Manchester and Manchester Libraries are honoured to be hosting JOHN BERCOW at Manchester Central Library on Tuesday 18th February. The former Speaker of the House of Commons will be talking about his new biography Unspeakable. About the book: Unspeakable is John Bercow’s characteristically forthright and incisive account of his unique vantagepoint into British politics. […]
This workshop will be of interest to people who would like to find a new and creative way to explore their family history and want to learn more about how encounters with objects can stimulate strong emotions and feelings. Artist Helena Tomlin has been working with the Centre for Jewish Studies at The University of Manchester […]
This LGBT History Month Unlocking Our Sound Heritage presents an intimate room of curated archive audio and immersive projections. Manchester's LGBTQ+ community took to both the streets and the dancefloor in response to the AIDS crisis and the introduction of Section 28. The event explores these vital spaces of defiance by pairing key BBC Radio […]
Is there a poem that has been a friend to you? You are invited to book an individual slot to come and explore a poem that has been a friend to you, in conversation with The Poetry Exchange team. The conversation will take place in a quiet corner of Manchester Central Library, over a cup […]
Join us for a fun packed celebration. Communities from across the city will be delivering cultural performances and traditional crafts to share their heritage and celebrate our multilingual Manchester. Pop into the mushaira poetry pod to meet a local poet or share your own favourite poem with the Poetry Exchange. Listen to a collection of […]
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.
