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2025 marks 50 years of queer hope and joy for LGBT Foundation—and the heart of the celebrations begins in the centre of Manchester. Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and proudly sponsored by Barefoot Wine, the 50 Years of Queer Hope & Joy Exhibition at Manchester Central Library invites the public into a powerful, […] 
ACTING UP! tells the story of 40 years of HIV activism in the region through archives, testimonies and films. The exhibition honours the memories of lives lost and continues the fight for a world free of HIV stigma and discrimination. Visit the exhibition in the ground floor of Central Library from 2 April till 31 […] 
Explore the history of independent radio in Manchester from the birth of Piccadilly Radio in 1974 through to Key 103’s 1990s heyday. This free exhibition tells the story of the DJs, programme makers and listeners through audio, photography and ephemera. Listen to clips from your favourite DJs, find out what it was like to work […] 
A new exhibition explores how punk exploded from the streets of 1970s Britain - raw, loud, and unapologetic. Born of crisis, it raged against capitalism, racism, and conformity. Through music, fashion, protest, and art, punk gave voice to the voiceless, challenged gender roles, and still shapes culture today. Free – just drop in. Please make […] 
Feast your eyes on two decades of literary magic with From Page to Stage, a photographic exhibition celebrating Manchester Literature Festival’s 20th anniversary. This intimate collection of photos charts the Festival’s journey from its early days to becoming one of the UK’s most distinctive literary events. Through striking images, we revisit the unforgettable moments and remarkable […] 
Pop in and view this fascinating exhibition at Central Library - Libraries 175: Celebrating 175 years of the Public Libraries Act 1850. 175 years ago the Public Libraries Act was passed, which allowed Local Authorities to raise taxes to fund free public libraries. The borough of Manchester was the first borough in the country to […] 
South Manchester Camera Club 2025 Exhibition of Members’ Images. SMCC welcomes everyone to visit Manchester Central library to view a wide selection of members’ images. Pictures have been captured across a wide section of our members representing their individual skill, technique and style. SMCC is an active, friendly and progressive photography club offering a wide range […] 
Our Long Goodbye is an exhibition of photos, films and texts that candidly and sensitively show the everyday love and heartbreak of someone you know living with dementia. From 5 November until 19 December Central Library hosts this tender exhibition, with the relationship between artist Jenny Harris and her mum at its heart. It is […] 
Architecture for the People Manchester City Architect’s Department, 1902-2003 For 101 years, the City Architect’s Department in the Town Hall served the citizens and met diverse civic needs by designing hundreds of different municipal buildings. They ranged from grand airport terminals to the small public lavatories, from the high profile like the new Free Trade […] 
Photographer Tracey Welch and five musicians from diverse musical backgrounds come together in an exploration of photography and music. A fascinating collaborative project and exhibition, inspiring new connections, shared experience and experimental composition. In 2022, photography and music came together in the Stroboscopic Project, an exploration of photographic technique and musical inspiration. Such was its […] 
Manchester Town Hall closed in January 2018 and work then began on a labour of love: a once-in-a-lifetime chance to repair, protect and update this architectural masterpiece for future generations. The Great Hall is the Town Hall’s centrepiece. It includes a huge variety of conservation and restoration projects and is a great example of the work we’re doing throughout […] |
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Join jazz singer Hannah Brine for an intimate afternoon of winter music designed to get you right in the mood for Christmas. Those lucky enough to see Hannah open for Rumer at this year’s Buxton International Festival know how great her voice and her original songs are. There’s a reason why she’s been awarded Best […] |
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The Disabled People's Archive (DPA) and North West Film Archive (NWFA) are hosting a free, disabled-led event to celebrate UK Disability History Month and the launch of DPA's new project. Expect a DPA object handling table, a creative group film-making activity, a community lunch, and much more. For more information and to book your free […]
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Join Great Northern Poetry Slam Champion Kieren King for the launch of his new collection. Including an author performance, interview, Q&A, and book signing. Pull up a stool, mind your pint, and drink in perfectly pitched poetry from the Great Northern Slam champion and four-time UK National Slam finalist. With poems of pubs, politics, love, […] |
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It wouldn’t be Christmas without a wreath making session! Join us for a relaxing hands-on workshop and learn how to create a beautiful wreath to take home with you. Suitable for adults. All materials provided. Tickets: £27.80. Book your place here or click 'Book Now' below. The workshop will take place in our new Generator Suite […] |
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Stories live within us — in our memories, our hands, and the quiet rhythm of a needle pulling thread. Join us to explore how storytelling and hand embroidery intertwine — how a single stitch can hold a memory, a dream, or a piece of expression. Free entry! All materials provided. Beginners welcome! Free – just […]
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Rebellion, identity, and survival This event is for individuals aged 15 and over. Welcome to the event page for the eighth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series.Event Details: Doors open: 17:00 Introduction to the film: 17:20 Film starts: 17:30 Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) Popcorn: FREE! Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft […] |
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In this talk, Dr Fang ZONG will introduce some traditional garden plants of China and their journeys to the West. Their cultural symbolism, presence in art and medical applications will also be discussed. The seasonal plants will be highlighted, for example, bamboo, flowering plum and evergreen pine as the ‘Three Friends of Winter’. Dr Fang […] |
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Our Saturday Spectacular turns Christmassy this December! With family favourite films shown on our big screen, some delicious snacks to dig into, Christmas crafting, plus a seasonal singalong too; this Saturday Spectacular is guaranteed to fill the whole family with yuletide cheer. A family friendly event, suitable for children up to 12 years old. Free- […]
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Join us for this talk inspired by Geoff Brown's book, 'A People's History of the Anti-Nazi League, 1977-1981'. Discover how the Anti-Nazi League (ANL) emerged from the streets, schools and music scenes of late 1970s Britain to confront racism and the far right. Free - book tickets here and click 'Book Now' below. |
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Join us at Central Library for a special Sunday opening as we celebrate all things Christmas. Bring the whole family and get stuck in our craft sessions, listen to Christmas carols perform by local choirs, including Chinese Music Classroom at Chetham’s School of Music, and much more! Performance Programme Ground Floor 12 noon - Loreto […] |
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Join us for a special screening of Shchedryk, a feature film by director Olesia Morgunets-Isaenko (122 min), in Ukrainian with English subtitles. At its heart is the world-famous melody by Leontovych, Carol of the Bells. The film intertwines the lives of Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, and Russians against the backdrop of Soviet repression, occupation, and war. This is […] |
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Ho Ho Ho! Come and join the New Horizons Choir for some Christmassy songs, a mince pie and some festive cheer. The choir will be singing in the Henry Watson Music Library on 17 December at 5.15 pm. All welcome to be serenaded by the singers and to join in with all your favourite Christmas tunes. […] |
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Step into Christmas with Manchester Libraries for the final Full Volume podcast of 2025. Back for one last hurrah before the year is out, presenter Alan Lynch and co-host Gary Parkinson have a nostalgic look back at what was a magical year for Manchester Libraries. Reflecting on the successful launch of the podcast and the […] |
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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.
