Free talk: 1940s Mancunian Nightlife at Imperial War Museum North w Dave Haslam

The Imperial War Museum North are celebrating the 70th anniversary of VE Day with a plethora of events including tours, a fashion show, lindy hop dance sessions and footage from the North West Film Archive showing emotional scenes in our rainy city on VE Day. The people celebrated long into the night with street parties and impromptu sing-alongs in Piccadilly Gardens, and amongst this day’s events is Dave Haslam’s talk exploring Manchester’s venues and clubs in the 1940s. From the many palais de danse from Harpurhey to Chorlton, dance floors that were boarded-over swimming pools and not forgetting the Mecca-owned Ritz – the mother of all nightlife in this period – discover the experience of going out post-wartime.

Sun 3 May, Imperial War Museum North, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, M17 1TZ, FREE (booking essential), 12pm and 3.30pm (two sessions), www.quaytickets.com