• The Fleecers: Live!

    Henry Watson Music Library

    One of the hottest emerging talents in the North West, The Fleecers, will be performing live in the Henry Watson Music Library this Spring. A group of prodigiously talented music students aged 14-17, The Fleecers formed in Cheadle Hulme in 2025. In their short time together, the rising indie-rock four-piece have since been making ripples […]

  • 嘢嘢YardYard: DJ workshop & live show

    Henry Watson Music Library

    YardYard will be launching their event series “Pendulum世界术” with a debut programme at Henry Watson Music Library of Central Library. Kicking off the series will be a special interactive DJ workshop, experimental live set, and high energy DJ set. In their first event outside of London in the UK, the rising creative arts collective will be […]

  • Little Movers and Shakers

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Calling all little groovers! Enjoy a fun, high-energy session filled with music and dance. Get ready to show off some moves – we’ll bring the tunes! Most suitable for under 4s. Free entry - just drop in Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless […]

  • Daria Chromik: Lunchtime Piano Concert

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Acclaimed Polish pianist, Daria Chromik, will be appearing at the Henry Watson Music Library for a special lunchtime performance. Presenting ‘Between Note and Emotion – Piano Recital’, the concert will offer a unique opportunity for audiences to hear the artist perform in this intimate setting for the first time. Daria Chomik is a pianist with […]

  • St Patrick’s Ceili Band Experience with Mouse’s Nest

    Henry Watson Music Library

    It wouldn’t be St Patrick’s Day without a ceili would it? So, on the weekend before the world goes green for Ireland’s patron saint, Central Library is hosting a special ceili band and dancing experience in the Henry Watson Music Library. Come down on Saturday 14 March, where local legends, Mouses Nest, will perform live […]

  • Irish Dancing Session

    Henry Watson Music Library

    In celebration of St Patrick’s Day 2026, Central Library will be hosting a special Irish dancing display and interactive teaching experience in its Henry Watson Music Library on the First Floor. Teaming up with the highly acclaimed The Ward-Mallinson School of Irish dancing, the school will be sending two of their finest dancers who have […]

  • Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Chris Connelly is coming to Manchester Central Library to discuss his exceptional new book, 'Cargo Recording Studios: 1977-1985'. The Cargo Studios book is a history of the music recorded at the Rochdale studio. The studio opened in late 1977 and closed in early 1985. It's where the seminal ‘Atmosphere’ by Joy Division was recorded, as […]

  • Access Creative College presents ‘Live In The Library’

    Henry Watson Music Library

    The Henry Watson Music Library invites you to experience ‘Live In The Library’, a brand new showcase event in collaboration with the Access Creative College. As one of the city’s most respected music institutions, Access Creative College will be taking over the music library with a series of special live performances from its current crop […]

  • Poetry and Movement

    Henry Watson Music Library

    In collaboration with Instituto Cervantes, representatives of all the Latin American women communities in Manchester are here to commemorate this day through dance and literature from wonderful writers who fight for women’s rights in Latin America. International Women's Day is a powerful platform to raise awareness about the challenges and inequalities that women face, such […]

  • Didsbury Singers: International Women’s Day Concert

    Henry Watson Music Library

    In celebration of International Women’s Day, Didsbury Singers will be appearing at the Henry Watson Music Library for a celebration of choral music. Didsbury Singers are a local, aspirational upper voices choir from South Manchester. Conducted by the award winning Hannah Brine and with musical accompaniment by Isaac Horton, the group will be honouring International […]

  • Author Q&A: Solid Bond in Your Heart – A People’s History of The Jam

    Henry Watson Music Library

    'Solid Bond In Your Heart: A People’s History of The Jam' is a new book by acclaimed author and journalist Malcolm Wyatt. Published in 2025 by Manchester-based Spenwood Books, it tells the tale of one the most iconic and inspirational bands of all time: The Jam. Exploding on to the British music scene with their […]

  • Christmas Singalong

    Henry Watson Music Library

    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.  […]