Manchester’s Libraries are Celebrating Black History Month Through a Series of Exhibitions, Live Music, Talks and Theatre

All events are completely free to attend and will explore themes such as the history of the carnival.

By Emma Davidson | 4 October 2022

Share this story


Black History Month is an important event that has taken place every October for more than 35 years across the UK. 

Often well celebrated in Manchester, this year’s headline event is the ‘We are Carnival’ Workshop at Central Library on Wednesday 26 October.  

The event, run by the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre based in Central Library, will feature a live music session with DJs, book displays, spoken word poetry by local artists, alongside food and craft sessions for residents of all ages.

The workshops will be a celebration of the history of the carnival and will educate residents on the important origins of the Afro-Caribbean communities in Manchester. Attendees will also be able to make their own carnival crowns and two guests will also be crowned carnival King and Queen. 

Alongside this, there’ll be other events across the city, including a Black History Month family storytime session held in collaboration with HOME in Central Library, Longsight Library and Powerhouse Library to engage younger readers in diverse literature. 

Family craft activities will then take place at the likes of Forum in Wythenshawe and Didsbury Library for younger residents and families to enjoy. 

The famous Linford Sweeney will also be delivering an online session on the rich history of Manchester’s Caribbean Carnival. The event has been run in collaboration with Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society and Archives. 

Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: “Manchester City Council are proud to play their part in celebrating Black History Month and this year’s rich programme of events is no different.  

“Our libraries are hosting a wide range of free family-friendly events, online sessions and workshops throughout the month that will be held across the city for all to enjoy. Residents of all ages are invited to explore both, new and familiar strands of Manchester’s heritage.”

You can view the full programme of events below.

……………………….


Tags:
newsletter