Our favourite “afternoon of alternative poetries” Peter Barlow’s Cigarette celebrates its 50th event on 22 November, and the team – Tim Allen, Joey Frances and Rachel Sills – is welcoming a very special bumper four-strong line-up to the Carlton Club in Whalley Range.

I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell is an immersive exhibition taking over the Grade II*-listed Elizabeth Gaskell’s House and the culmination of a residency by three young writers who spent the spring months being inspired by Manchester’s only literary house.

Throughout 2025, the team at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is taking a deep dive into Ruth, one of the famous 19th-century author’s most shocking texts. We look at June’s online events…

Social Refuge on Great Ancoats Street has been the new home of iconic bookshop Queer Lit since early October. There is always something to be getting involved in, writing groups, book clubs, Quiz nights and Queer Poetry.

A multi use music and arts venue that acts as a home from home for many of the area’s local creatives. Boasting not one but two venue spaces, its very own music label, and an entirely veggie and vegan café, it hosts a number of intimate and exciting shows throughout the year.

The shop is more than a place to buy books—it’s a space for literary discovery and community. Despite the cosy size, the bookshop frequently hosts literary events, talks and discussions featuring a variety of authors whose books are available in the shop.

House of Books & Friends in Manchester is more than just a bookshop, it’s a place with a purpose. Set up as a Community Interest Company, House of Books & Friends reinvests every penny of profit into projects and activities that benefit the local area.

A word-of-mouth venue in all the right ways, and a fine home for all Manchester’s misfits and budding creatives. Plus, it somehow, admirably, seems to have avoided the curse of the trend-seeking rich kids.

Hidden away on Mosley St, the Portico Library is a historic cultural hub, offering events, exhibitions, and tea in a domed gallery.