MHF 2026 | Threads of a City: The Manchester Tapestry Project

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.

Thursday 4 June
2pm–4pm (2 hours) – Sign-up via Eventbrite

• Introduction to the project
• Learn stitches and techniques
• Practice session
• Stitch on a tapestry panel

Friday 5 June
2pm–4pm (2 hours) – Sign-up via Eventbrite

• 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 take part in the project.

All sessions are free to attend.

Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of Manchester Histories This is Us: Tracing Manchester’s Histories project.

This event is part of Manchester Histories Festival 2026. #MHF2026

Donation

This event is one of many free events programmed at Manchester Histories Festival 2026. As a small charity we truly welcome any contribution you are able to make. Suggested donations of £3–£10 help us continue our work with local communities, create imaginative and inclusive programmes, and sustain the Manchester Histories Festival in celebrating Greater Manchester’s rich and diverse histories and heritage. Every donation, whatever the amount, makes a real difference. Thank you for supporting us.

Accessibility

Manchester Central Library is fully accessible. To help us make this event as inclusive as possible, we welcome you to contact us at least two weeks in advance regarding any specific access requirements, including BSL interpretation or other support needs. Thank you.

Email: info@manchesterhistories.co.uk

Call: 0161 306 1982

Data Gathering

We may contact you after the event with an event feedback form. We’d really appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to fill it out. Your thoughts will help us improve future events and strengthen the case for more programmes like this.

Complete the feedback form for your chance to win some Manchester Histories merch and a copy of These Isles: A People’s History of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales by the brilliant author Brian Groom — available to Manchester Histories Festival 2026 attendees only!