About this Event
Hear untold short stories from 14 diverse people from across Greater Manchester share fascinating, obscure, hilarious, geeky, absurd, tender, unexpected, or completely
extraordinary tales.Manchester Central Library Performance Space will transform into a melting pot of voices and performances in a collective ode to the diverse commentaries that shape our shared identity.
Hosted by Tony Kinsella, Salford-born writer, musician, and comedian with over 25 years’ experience. He is the author of three poetry collections and non-fiction book Statues of Levity and was previously Salford Star Performer of the Year.
This event is part of Manchester Histories Festival 2026. #MHF2026
Donation
This event is one of many free events programmed at Manchester Histories Festival 2026. As a small charity we truly welcome any contribution you are able to make. Suggested donations of £3–£10 help us continue our work with local communities, create imaginative and inclusive programmes, and sustain the Manchester Histories Festival in celebrating Greater Manchester’s rich and diverse histories and heritage. Every donation, whatever the amount, makes a real difference. Thank you for supporting us.
Accessibility
Manchester Central Library is fully accessible. To help us make this event as inclusive as possible, we welcome you to contact us at least two weeks in advance regarding any specific access requirements, including BSL interpretation or other support needs. Thank you.
Email: [email protected]
Call: 0161 306 1982
Data Gathering
We may contact you after the event with an event feedback form. We’d really appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to fill it out. Your thoughts will help us improve future events and strengthen the case for more programmes like this.
Complete the feedback form for your chance to win some Manchester Histories merch and a copy of These Isles: A People’s History of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales by the brilliant author Brian Groom — available to Manchester Histories Festival 2026 attendees only!
Line-Up
🕑: 05:30 PM - 05:40 PM
Welcome
Host: Tony Kinsella
🕑: 05:40 PM - 05:50 PM
The Ballad of Elias Hall
Host: Ian Ball
🕑: 05:50 PM - 06:00 PM
Clog Slam
Host: Sheila Anderson
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:15 PM
History of Quarry Bank
Host: Olivia Rudkin
🕑: 06:15 PM - 06:25 PM
Schinkel in Manchester 1826 - 2026
Host: Eamonn Canniffe
🕑: 06:25 PM - 06:40 PM
Rachel Scott: The forgotten Girton Pioneer
Host: Tom Trafford
🕑: 06:40 PM - 06:50 PM
What did the Arts and Crafts Movement do for Manchester?
Host: Mike Franks
🕑: 06:50 PM - 07:00 PM
120 Years of a Manchester Walking Club
Host: Andrew Basden
Interval
🕑: 07:30 PM - 07:40 PM
Claiming the Rain
Host: Keisha Thompson
🕑: 07:40 PM - 07:50 PM
The RNCM Museum vs the Theramin
Host: Heather Roberts
🕑: 07:50 PM - 08:00 PM
In Flanders Fields
Host: David Harrop
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:15 PM
Votes for Women. Death in 10 Minutes. Run!
Host: Paul Fitzgerald
🕑: 08:15 PM - 08:30 PM
Love Your Burial Ground
Host: Stella Fletcher
🕑: 08:30 PM - 08:40 PM
When Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show came to Manchester
Host: Claire Robinson
🕑: 08:40 PM - 08:50 PM
Chippy Chips in a Gangster Car
Host: Pam Armstrong
🕑: 08:50 PM - 09:00 PM
Farewell
Host: Tony Kinsella
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Manchester Central Library, Saint Peter's Square, Manchester, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
