Darn that Picasso – Conversations and Craftivism

Susie Stubbs

Follow a yarn trail to the Working Class Movement Library and re-stitch the famous shapes of Picasso’s “Guernica” in banner form.

The Working Class Movement Library is one of those special places: hidden, intimate and telling a powerful story, that of the campaigning activities of ordinary men and women. This weekend, the library is joined by activist artists from Brighton who re-make Picasso’s sombre anti-war masterpiece, Guernica, by gently sewing the image into a huge banner. Pop in any time during the afternoon to contribute a bit of stitching (no previous sewing skills necessary), take part in conversation, or just to have a brew and enjoy experiencing the power of collaborative creativity. To help you get there, tour guide Suzanne Hindle of Manchester Guided Tours leads a walk from the People’s History Museum up the Crescent to Salford’s Working Class Movement Library, weaving tales of local creativity and activism along the way. She follows a bespoke trail knitted especially for the day by the King’s Arms Knitters, designed to help you find your way to Salford Crescent and back again. Working Class Movement Library, 51 Crescent, M5 4WX, 2pm-5pm, Saturday 12 October, free. Walking tour: meet outside People’s History Museum, Leftbank, Spinningfields, M3 3ER, 1pm, Saturday 12 October, free (no need to book).

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

A doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.
Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

Music in the North

Manchester’s starting the new year with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

Textured portrait image of Jarman
Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.