Manchester Histories Festival 2026 | Threads of a City
Add your own stitches to a stunning large-scale textile tapestry that reflects the stories, cultures, and history that shape Manchester.
Since February 2026, students and staff from Manchester Metropolitan University have been working with Manchester Histories and community members across Greater Manchester on the research, design, and creation on Threads of a City—a large-scale collaborative tapestry.
The completed tapestry will feature 26 panels, capturing Manchester’s identity through architecture, art, neighbourhoods, sport, music, heritage, and personal stories, and be displayed in the newly reopened Manchester Town Hall before touring the city and beyond.
We invite you to join in and add your own stitches to the first 2 tapestry panels.
Please note: Advance sign-up (via Eventbrite) is required for sessions taking place on Thursday 4 June and Friday 5 June. These introductory sessions will include an overview of the Tapestry Project, guidance on stitches and techniques, time to practise stitching, and the opportunity to contribute to one of the tapestry panels.
Free to attend, with donations welcome. Book your tickets here.
Thursday 4 June
2pm–4pm (2 hours)
- Introduction to the project
- Learn stitches and techniques
- Practice session
- Stitch on a tapestry panel
Friday 5 June
2pm–4pm (2 hours)
- Introduction to the project
- Learn stitches and techniques
- Practice session
- Stitch on a tapestry panel
Saturday 6 June
1pm–4pm (Drop-in session)
Join at any time for informal mini stitch tutorials and to take part in the project.
Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of Manchester Histories This is Us: Tracing Manchester’s Histories project.
