Manchester Histories Festival 2026 | Talks & Tours
Explore Manchester’s histories through a series of guided tours and lively discussions taking place across the festival weekend.
From the stories of the Windrush Generation and Manchester’s waterways to behind-the-scenes access at Manchester Central Library, these events invite audiences to discover how heritage connects people, places and communities.
Friday 5 June
Tour: Heritage in Action – The Windrush Generation.
With Historian Linford Sweeney
1.00pm–4:45pm
The tour around the residential areas of Moss Side and Hulme identifies links between Windrush generation, cotton, and the transatlantic slave trade. Meeting Point: Hulme Garden Centre, 28 Old Birley Street, Manchester M15 5RG
Saturday 6 June
Tour: Heritage in Action – Wade in the Water. A Journey of Healing and Hope
11.00 am–12.30pm
A decolonial guided walk speaks to Manchester’s waterways, railways and connection to the transatlantic slave trade. Inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s book Is a River Alive?Wheelchair accessible (some cobbles).Meeting Point: Barberelli Square, The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS
Saturday 6 June
Tour: Behind the Scenes
At 12:00 & 2:00pm
Go behind the scenes of Manchester Central Library, exploring spaces rarely open to the public. This tour reveals the building’s story and showcases selected archives and rare treasures celebrating civic pride. Wheelchair accessible. Meeting Point: Main entrance, Manchester Central Library.
Saturday 6 June
Discussion: Heritage in Action
Performance Space. Manchester Central Library
13:30–15:30pm
Join us for a two-hour session of lively discussion and tasty Mancunian food. Keisha Thompson (Legacies of Enslavemnt Programme, The Guardian) and Yussuf M’Rabty (Project Manager, This Is Us – Manchester Histories) will host a series of mini-panel discussions with heritage tour guides, artists and historians. Audiences will get a flavour of Manchester and what it means to keep our shared heritage alive and active.
Free to attend, with donations welcome. Book your tickets here. Please note: each event is ticketed separately, giving you the flexibility to book one or several sessions as part of your festival experience.
