Ambitious plans to transform one of Manchester’s greatest historical hidden gems have been announced.
Founded all the way back in 1806, The Portico Library – which is hidden in plain sight on Mosley Street, in the heart of the city centre – played a central role in Manchester’s rise as the world’s first modern city, and since then, it has been serving as a window into the past and a providing a place of inspiration for anyone who needs it.
But now, these new transformation plans, titled The Reunited Project, will ensure the building not only survives, but also thrives as the UK’s most sustainable historic library for generations to come.
The Portico Library‘s transformational scheme is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and will look to ‘reunite’ the historic building’s three floors for the first time in over a century, creating a fully-accessible and sustainable cultural library.
Crucially, plans will see a step-free entrance and lift installed to make the library accessible to all.
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There’ll also be new exhibition and event spaces introduced as part of the scheme to explore the stories of Manchester’s communities and the city’s heritage.
There will a Northern Bookshop, showcasing regional and emerging writers, and independent publishers, as well as a creative Portico Kitchen, which will celebrate the city’s food culture, writing, and history.
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A place for school groups, families, and all people to explore Portico’s collection and experiment creatively also forms part of the plans.
“Portico Reunited is about more than restoring a building,” explained Dr Thom Keep, who is a Librarian & the Chief Executive of the Portico Library, after the transformation plans were submitted to Manchester City Council.
“It’s about opening doors to stories, ideas, heritage and communities across Greater Manchester.
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“These plans secure Portico’s future, unlocking the power of heritage to inspire Manchester’s visitors and residents to explore, share, and celebrate their stories and the city’s literary and global heritage.”
If the plans are approved by the Council, The Portico Library will close for around 18 months for construction, during which it will continue to engage the public through its ‘Portigo !’ pop-up programme.
Featured Image – Portico Library
Art & Culture
Lord of the Rings live in concert is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
The fellowship is not lost: JRR Tolkien fans are being invited to come along to see the beloved first film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy live in concert here in Manchester.
Undoubtedly, some of the most beautifully shot and, crucially, rousingly scored Hollywood blockbusters in history, the LotR movie soundtracks still remain among the most iconic to this day.
So just imagine how incredible they must be to witness it in the flesh…
Well, that opportunity is just on the horizon, as a live performance of The Fellowship of the Ring by a fully-fledged live band is coming to the city centre’s biggest indoor arena later this year.
Available either as an evening or matinee show, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring – In Concert’ arrives this winter at Co-op Live.
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic Academy Award-winning film, which kick-started a mega franchise both on the big and the small screen nowadays, what better way to toast the date than by rewatching it like never before?
Teaming up with the one and only Hallé – Manchester’s premier orchestra since 1858 – the production will be bringing Howard Shore’s legendary original scores to life in person as they soundtrack the epic motion picture playing behind them.
We’ve got chills just thinking about some of those scenes: the council of Elrond in Rivendell; the ‘Argonath’ passing, that first stunning New Zealand vista as Middle-Earth, and SO many more.
Here’s a sample of what it’s like to hear those instantly recognisable sounds live:
Come on, how incredible is this?
For those looking to attend the Manchester showings of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring – In Concert, as always, official Co-op members will be granted early access through the venue’s presale window.
This will open at 10am on Wednesday, 25 March; meanwhile, general admission tickets will then be available from the same time the following Friday (27 Mar).
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)/New Line Cinema (screenshots)
Art & Culture
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 23 – 29 March 2026
Emily Sergeant
Our last full week of March has arrived, and it won’t be long before April is here.
It’s officially spring in the UK, and it certainly has been feeling like it across Greater Manchester this past week, and we can only hope the sunshine sticks around as there’s loads of events and activities to be getting up to throughout the region this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
Europe’s most popular Banksy exhibition, The Mystery of Banksy – A Genius Mind, has officially made its UK premiere down at Depot Mayfield, and the amazing industrial space has been filled with more than 200 reimagined works by the acclaimed street art superstar.
Fans are able to step inside the mind of one of the world’s most prolific artists in an immersive and interactive exhibition that has already wowed audiences in their millions.
Expect to see recreations of his most iconic works, including Girl With Balloon, the thought provoking Devolved Parliament, a fully ‘Banksified’ London Underground carriage, and a towering seven-foot elephant installation.
Did you also know that The Christie cancer patients’ artwork is also being showcased at this exhibition too?
That’s right, The Christie – which is, at present, the only hospital in the UK that offers a dedicated art service for patient – has been invited to showcase a selection of artwork at the new exhibition, all with the aim of highlighting the role art plays in supporting cancer patients.
Patients will have a chance to prove just how powerful and transformative art can be, all while raising money for a very important cause.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
A new free exhibition by Pablo Picasso is opening in Manchester this week, including works never-before seen on public display.
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The new exhibition, titled Picasso: A Legacy, is comprised of more than 35 original works on paper and ceramics, all of which were created by the artist from the mid 1930s up until his death in 1973, and visitors will get to be guided through the last four decades of his life.
You’ll also get to encounter the artist’s lovers and muses, mythological alter egos, and playful zoomorphic ceramics, as well as feats of frantic artistic output that made up Picasso’s final decade.
If you could bottle up the smell of a store, we’d want it to be this one…
The White Company has officially opened its flagship store inside the Trafford Centre, and let’s just say, it looks absolutely beautiful. There’s new collections not seen before in other stores, brand-new scents inspired by flowers, and everything you need to make your home look divine.
You’ll find luxury linens, plush towels, the softest pyjamas, candles, tableware, the cutest baby outfits, and so much more.
The sun has arrived in Manchester… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last.
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing installation that’s now shining bright inside Victoria Baths.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA, all now dangling above the former swimming baths.
Helios will be lighting up this corner of Manchester until 6 April.
Works from legendary Japanese artists Hokusai and Hiroshige have now arrived in the city.
Opening the Whitworth’s first exhibition of Japanese print in more than a century, ‘Beneath the Great Wave’, features colourful woodblock ukiyo-e prints from Edo-period Japan, dating as far back as 1700s – including the iconic ‘Under the Wave off Kanagawa’.
It’s an easy shout if you fancy something different this week, oh and even bette, it’s completely FREE to enter and look around.
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Museum of Illusions
Market Street
Monday 23 March – onwards
Museum of Illusions / Credit: The Manc Group
Looking to escape the elements and have your mind boggled this spring? Sounds like a trip to Museum of Illusions is on the cards then.
It’s time to let your competitive side out – get ready to experience the city’s most unique attraction like never before. Race through the vortex, create the best mirror image, and complete the brain gym the fastest to win the dazzling trophy at the end.
Whether you’re team building with your work lot, or taking your mates for a bit of healthy competition, it’s a great one to have a go at.
Matilda The Musical is finally arriving in Manchester this week.
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The RSC’s smash-hit musical – which is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book of the same name – is currently on a tour of the UK and Ireland, and this includes a special four-week run at Manchester’s iconic Palace Theatre beginning this week.
Written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, and developed and directed by Matthew Warchus, the beloved production about a determined heroine with a vivid imagination has won hearts all over the globe.
Find out more and see if you can grab yourself some last-minute tickets here.
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Looking for a different and creative way to spend your weekend?
If you fancy unleashing your inner artist, or you simply just want a break from staring at your phone for a bit, then this vinyl painting workshop in Manchester is well worth checking out.
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Hosted by INK at Renae over in the Northern Quarter, this unique class lets you transform old, damaged records into your own piece of art.
No experience is needed, you just turn up and get creative – with tickets setting you back £18.50, and each including the record, all the supplies you’ll need, and even a drink too. Not bad for a wholesome afternoon out, right?
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Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in February, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in March, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have loads of new openings too. From golden egg pops, to a pickle lover’s wet dream (… sorry) in pizza form, we’ve been scoffing the lot.
Keen to grab a pint and make the most of the sunshine while you still can?
After all, we know it doesn’t stick around too long. We really don’t think we’re getting ahead of ourselves to say it’s started to feel a little like summer this past week, and with that pep now firmly in our step, we’re heading straight to one of Manchester’s many beer gardens and terraces. Whether you like a proper pub, a waterside wine bar, or a cocktail on the cobbles, the city’s got you covered, and we’ve rounded up some of the best to choose from👇
Ski season is officially here, the Winter Olympics have well and truly entertained us, and people are jetting off to the slopes left, right, and centre. But if you’ve never been skiing before, and you’re heading on your first ski holiday, luckily you can learn the ropes here at Manchester’s very-own Snow Centre first.
Over a two-hour beginner lesson here, you can learn everything from how to get your skis on, to snow ploughing… and even getting back up again after falling over.
Our Amy’s currently on her first-ever ski holiday this week, so we took her for her initial lesson👇
Are you a fan of Mini Eggs? Oh boy, do we have a treat for you then.
If you ask us, one of life’s greatest pleasures has to be Mini Eggs, and Grandpa Greene’s and Greene’s Bistro over in Diggle and Uppermill have taken this humble choccy treat to the next level – with a whole menu dedicated to them.
There’s a full Mini Egg afternoon tea, stacked pancakes, waffles, French toast, milkshakes, and gigantic sundaes (plus, their homemade Mini Egg ice cream is up there with the best).
Oh and who can forget the Slattery x Grandpa Greene’s hot chocolate. The special Easter menu is available at both sites, but the question is, how will you have your Mini Eggs?
Emily Sergeant -
7th October 2025 
