• Manchester Literature Festival presents Simon Armitage

    Performance Space

    Poet Laureate and Festival favourite Simon Armitage returns to Manchester Literature Festival to read from his two new collections, Dwell and New Cemetery.    In Dwell, inspired by the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, Armitage brings to life the fragile homes of animals and insects, blurring the lines between human and creature, nature and artifice. […]

  • Let’s Talk Money – Exclusive Book Launch and Talk

    Performance Space

    As part of our Black History Month celebrations, we're proud to welcome Tynan Matembe. This award-winning money coach, global speaker and passionate advocate for financial inclusion will be launching her new book, Conquer Your Financial Giants: Proven Steps to Master Your Money and Build Wealth. Free – booking advised via Eventbrite

  • ABBA: Over 50’s Party!

    Performance Space

    SORRY, THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT. IT'S THE ABBA OVER 50'S PARTY! Take a chance on a super trouper afternoon at Central Library. Two hours of Abba classics to celebrate Older People’s Day! Featuring the fab solo Abba tribute artist ‘One of Us’! Mama Mia * Money Money Money * Fernando * Super Trouper […]

  • Names, Traditions and Meanings Exhibition Launch

    Performance Space

    Come and join Amani Creatives CIC at the launch of The National Heritage Lottery funded FUMBO Exhibition and event to explore the heritage of naming traditions of African communities in North West England. Enjoy free music, dance and drumming workshops, face painting and African cuisine. Exhibition runs 2-31 October 2025 near the café area, ground floor. […]

  • Word Central

    Performance Space

    Word Central Open Mic Poetry and Spoken Word. Presented by Flapjack Press and Manchester Libraries. Doors open 5.40pm and free entry. Hosted by Tony Curry with special guest Lisa Moore. Book your open mic slot from noon on Tuesday 16th September via mail@flapjackpress.co.uk. N.B. Open mic slots are 3 minutes per performer – it is […]

  • Northern Publisher’s Fair

    Performance Space

    The Northern Publishers' Fair returns this autumn with its biggest celebration yet of independent publishing, taking place on Saturday 27th September 2025 from 11am to 3:30pm at Manchester Central Library's Performance Space. Organised bi-annually by Fly on the Wall Press, this free-entry event will showcase the diverse landscape of independent publishing across the North, featuring 16 publishers […]

  • Crime Central Returns!

    Performance Space

    Get it in your diaries!! Crime Central returns 24th September with a monster! Jo Furniss, Louisa Scarr, KJ Whitle and Michael Wodd will all be joining Rob Parker at Manchester Central Library. Don't miss it! Bringing the best from all over! Featuring the best and brightest crime writing talent both locally and from around the […]

  • Not just any old iron! Evening Lecture

    Performance Space

    Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been […]

  • Not just any old iron! Afternoon Lecture

    Performance Space

    Manchester Town Hall has been closed since January 2018 for an extensive restoration programme that will repair and upgrade the building to modern standards. The work will include the conservation of many of its original heritage features. Our series of Heritage Lectures aims to shine a light on some of the fascinating work that’s been […]

  • Mystery International Film Screening

    Performance Space

    Welcome to the sixth edition of Manchester Central Library’s International Film Club’s Mystery Screening series. Event Details: • Doors open: 17:00 • Introduction to the film: 17:25 • Film starts: 17:30 • Entry: Pay what you can (recommended donation of £3) • Popcorn: FREE! • Drinks: Grab a coffee, tea, or soft drink from the fully stocked café! To celebrate half a years’ worth of screenings, we’ll […]

  • Saturday Spectacular: Lowry Takeover

    Performance Space

    Come join the Lowry at Central Library and get involved in some fantastic fun for all the family. Enjoy arts and crafts, interactive storytelling and engaging workshops. There will also be the chance to watch family classics on the big screen, and more! Free - more info to follow Please consider making a donation if […]

  • An evening with Katherine Rundell

    Performance Space

    We are delighted to welcome bestselling author Katherine Rundell to Manchester to celebrate the release of The Poisoned King! The mesmerising follow-up to Rundell's Waterstones Book of the Year 2023-winning Impossible Creatures finds Christopher embroiled in an elaborate rescue mission as he returns to the magical world of the Archipelago. Katherine joins us at Manchester Central Library for a talk, […]