What's on

Classic Christmas Film Marathon!

Performance Space

Have we got the ultimate selection box for you! Escape from the shops and join us for a magical day of festive films. Suitable for families. Free - drop in - please consider making a donation if you can here or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Christmas Extravaganza!

Performance Space

Join us for this free fun-packed day of Christmas entertainment, featuring music, crafts, refreshments and special guests. Suitable for families. 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

Dominic Berry: How Can I Be Now?

Performance Space

Flapjack Press presents How Can I Be Now?, Selected Poems by Dominic Berry. “Maybe I’m strange, but I want to ask whether I’m the only one who wishes more people cried together?” Queer, vegan poet Dominic Berry presents his favourite poems for performance from his collections Tomorrow, I Will Go Dancing, Wizard, No Tigers and Yes […]

Instruments in Chinese Music: the guzheng

Performance Space

We're delighted to invite you to the final talk in our "Chinese instruments in focus" series. The series features three talks hosted by Po Hang Yuen, each focusing on a different traditional Chinese instrument. The last in our series is the guzheng. The talk will introduce writing for the guzheng. It  will discuss how our guest […]

Christmas Silent Disco!

Performance Space

The ever popular Retro Silent Disco returns for a Christmas Special at Central Library! Join DJ John for a night of 70's, 80's and 90's hits, with a sprinkling of Manchester bands and festive classics throughout. Bar open all night. Christmas jumpers and party gear recommended! Doors open 8pm. Tickets are still the bargain £10 […]

A History of Pies and Puddings

Performance Space

Explore the history of some our most beloved British foods with local food historian Neil Buttery: pies and puddings, from their rather posh origins to the present day, where they are beloved by all (and treated with suspicion by some). Both have a fascinating and rather convoluted history, and Neil will talk you through the […]

Free

Crime Central

Performance Space

Rob Parker, Manchester Libraries and Instituto Cervantes invite you to very special CRIME CENTRAL!! With SL McManus, Teresa Solana and Nick Triplow! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the country - the big names are all coming to Manchester! Go behind the […]

EVENING LECTURE: Space Exploration – how we’re transforming Albert Square

Performance Space

EVENING LECTURE Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project. One of the most obvious parts of the project will be the improvements to Albert Square. As well as pedestrianising almost all of it (just one section of road will remain, for the Metrolink tramlines) […]

AFTERNOON LECTURE: Space Exploration – how we’re transforming Albert Square

Performance Space

AFTERNOON LECTURE Our Heritage Lectures shine a light on the work behind the scenes of the Our Town Hall Project. One of the most obvious parts of the project will be the improvements to Albert Square. As well as pedestrianising almost all of it (just one section of road will remain, for the Metrolink tramlines) […]

French Film Club: Tout Simplement Noir

Performance Space

Join us and Alliance Française de Manchester for this month’s film, Tout Simplement Noir. JP, a 40-year-old failed actor, decides to organise the first big black protest march in France, but his often burlesque encounters with influential figures in the community and the interested support he receives from Fary mean he vacillates between the desire […]

Hey Duggee on Loop!

Performance Space

Celebrate Hey Duggee’s tenth anniversary with ten specially selected episodes of the celebrated pre-school children’s animated television series, on a loop, as part of the Manchester Animation Festival. Free - drop in. Please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library

Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration

Performance Space

Come and join us for Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique and ancient Mexican celebration. This exciting event will feature traditional dances performed by Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK, themed activities, craft workshops, and a typical Mexican altar. Suitable for all ages! Suitable for all ages Free - please consider making a donation […]