• Hannah Brine – Live

    Henry Watson Music Library

    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 […]

  • Stories and songs for Green Libraries Week!

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Calling all little groovers! Show us some moves at this fun and interactive music and dance session in the music library on the first floor of Central Library. We’ll bring the music, so get ready to hit the dancefloor! Suitable for children under 4. Free – just drop in Please consider making a donation if […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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

  • Leo HC Single Launch

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Leo HC is a 20 year old solo musician, creating alternative folk tracks to soothe the soul. Equipped, usually, with an acoustic guitar, his voice and lots of reverb, his music creates an introspective and melancholic atmosphere for all to listen and enjoy. His debut album was released on 8 November 2024. Leo is currently […]

  • Hannah Brine – Album Launch

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Singer songwriter Hannah Brine launches her debut album Blue Sky Now with a live gig at the Manchester Central Library. Inspired by the Great American Songbook, with a voice & song writing style likened to Carole King, Norah Jones and Rumer, Hannah writes & performs lush ballads & lively jazz anthems, telling tales of growth […]

  • The Apple Trees and The Bees

    Henry Watson Music Library

    James Ellson presents The Apple Trees and The Bees - symbiotic relationship between apple trees, honeybees and humans Join us for an engaging discussion about the relationship between apple trees, honeybees and humans. It is thought that fruit trees and honeybees have co-evolved for millions of years. In this talk former detective now crime writer and smallholder […]

  • Bill Leader Celebration

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Bill Leader Celebration, with readings, live music and discussion panels. Guests confirmed include 2024 winner of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards (‘Best Singer’ category) Rioghnach Connelly, Oldham ballad singer Jennifer Reid, UK/South African folk duo Nastee Chapel, Liverpudlian shanty singer Andy Kenna and topical songsmith Stanley Accrington. Further names are yet to be announced. […]

  • Nova Scotian Folk Music Seminar

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Join us for a free seminar on Nova Scotian folk music, folklore and song collecting. Includes talk, discussion, screening, plus free tea and biscuits! Free - please drop in

  • Poppycock

    Henry Watson Music Library

    Poppycock, featuring Una Baines, perform their album 'Magic Mothers' (one of Louder Than War's Top 100 albums of 2024), alongside artwork by Pascal le Gras and Suzanne Smith. Band on stage at 6pm. Free - please drop in