Manchester After Hours ft. Chetham’s, John Rylands, RNCM + more

Returning this May is Manchester After Hours, a one-night-only festival celebrating arts and heritage. It’s a citywide affair, with special events at places and spaces not usually open in the evenings. In the atmospheric setting of Chetham’s Library, there will be a spoken word night featuring poetry, performance and live music. Another venerable venue, the John Rylands Library, will host Neon Sonnets, a mixed-media celebration of the Immortal Bard. On Oxford Road, the Royal Northern College of Music will be performing original compositions inspired by the Library’s Shakespeare collection, while over at the Castlefield Bowl, you’ll find a food festival with street vendors, a farmer’s market, and cooking masterclasses. Local record label Debt Records, meanwhile, will take over The Lowry’s exhibition space for an immersive look at the music-making process, interspersed with performances from special guests. This year’s Manchester After Hours features these and more events, many of which are free – see the website below for full listings.

Thu 12 May, Various venues throughout the city, Times and prices vary, www.museumsatnight.org.uk