“Open the Windows” Poetry & Medicine Reading

Susie Stubbs

A moving joint reading that tells the story of a sick newborn baby, from both the mother and the doctor’s perspectives.

In 2007, Rebecca Goss’s newborn daughter, Ella was diagnosed at the hospital where Denise Bundred worked. However, they only met later as poets, writing about their respective experiences as mother/patient and doctor. Join us for their first joint reading, which also features specially-commissioned music by Chris Davies, and is hosted by the National Aspergillosis Centre, UHSM, and Manchester Literature Festival. Rebecca Goss’s second collection, Her Birth, begins with Ella’s birth, her short life and her death, and ends with the joys and complexities that accompany the birth of another child. Her poetry was highly commended in the Hippocrates Prize in 2012 and 2013. Part of Manchester Literature Festival. Manchester Museum, Kanaris Lecture Theatre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, 2pm-3.30pm, Saturday 12 October, free but booking advised.

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.