Workers at Play: Free Wakes Week event at Manchester Central Library

Manchester Central Library celebrates the traditions of British summer time with a one-off event, Workers at Play (Fri 15 May) and ongoing exhibition Wonderland by the Waves (Mon 11 May – Fri 5 Jun). Both are inspired by the historical holiday, known as Wakes Week, which saw factory workers take time away at British seaside towns. The events begin with Tom Hingley of Inspiral Carpets curating the Workers at Play evening on Friday (15 May) which features turns by urban poet JB Barrington, John Bartley and Jennifer Reid who specialises in singing 19th century ballads known as Broadsides. The night includes performances from The Cosmo Singers, Horwich’s Kadenza Choir and Bolton Clarion choir as well as outings for the magician Jez Mansfield, Oldham Youth Wind Ensemble and ukulele group, Levy Uke Up.

Workers at Play event Fri 5 May, Wonderland by the Waves exhibition Mon 11 May- Fri 5 Jun, Manchester Central Library, St. Peters Square, Manchester M2 5PD. Tel: 0161 234 1983, Workers at Play only: 6pm – 9pm,FREE, but tickets required, www.manchesterwakes.bpt.me, Wonderland by the Waves times vary,  www.archivesplus.org