The Manchester Lit and Phil

"O Lord, Open the Eyes of the King of England"

A compelling exploration of power, politics, and faith in medieval England.

Discover the dramatic stories, hidden histories, and pivotal moments that shaped a nation.

Join us for an engaging lecture that brings history to life.

📍 Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL
📅 28th October 2026
🎟️ Book your place:
https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/events/o-lord-open-the-eyes-of-the-king-of-england/

Perfect for history buffs, students, and anyone fascinated by medieval culture and British heritage. Don't miss this captivating evening!

I Am a Stranger Here Myself: The Music of Kurt Weill

Step into the captivating world of Kurt Weill's revolutionary compositions. From cabaret classics to theatrical masterpieces, discover how this visionary composer transformed modern music.

A memorable evening celebrating one of the 20th century's most influential musicians.

📍 International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Manchester
📅 17th September 2026
🕡 6:30pm–8:00pm
🎟️ Tickets & details:
https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/events/i-am-a-stranger-here-myself-the-music-of-kurt-weill/

Whether you're a classical music lover, theatre enthusiast, or simply curious about cultural history, this is not to be missed!

Honouring a Remarkable Legacy

We're proud to celebrate the life and achievements of Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw, a trailblazer whose contributions have left an indelible mark on education and science.

Dame Kathleen's dedication to excellence, innovation, and breaking barriers has inspired generations. Her work continues to resonate with our community and beyond.

Explore her extraordinary journey and discover how she shaped the future through her visionary leadership and groundbreaking work.

Learn more about Dame Kathleen's legacy: https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/past-members/dame-kathleen-ollerenshaw/

Whether you knew her personally, were inspired by her work, or are learning about her for the first time, her story reminds us of the power of determination and intellectual courage.

Celebrating those who dared to dream bigger and achieve more.

How Parasites Have Shaped Us

Life is give and take, unless you’re a parasite! Join immunologist and science communicator Dr Erin Pallott for a lively journey through wriggly worms, pesky protozoa, mucus and the surprising ways “gross” biology has influenced our bodies and society.

📅 Wednesday 5 August 2026
🕡 6:30–8:00pm
📍 International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Manchester
🎟️ £15 general admission | £6 students | FREE for members

The talk includes time for audience questions, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Booking is essential, so reserve your place today:

👉 https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/events/how-parasites-have-shaped-us/

In 1967, a 24-year-old PhD student spotted a signal so strange and so regular her team nicknamed it "Little Green Men." She had discovered pulsars — one of the great breakthroughs of modern astronomy.
In 1974, the Nobel Prize for that discovery went to her supervisor. She wasn't named.
Decades later, Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell won a $3 million prize — and gave away every penny to help women, minority and refugee students become physicists.
Now she's coming to Manchester for one night only.
📅 Tuesday 22 September · Royal Northern College of Music
🎟️ Members free · Concessions £5 · General £15
Book now 👉 https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/events/careering-through-astronomy/

The Boom in Weight Loss Jabs: Medicines as a Solution for Societal Failure?

Miracle breakthrough or societal risk? Join us for a thought-provoking evening as we unpack one of the most talked-about medical developments of our time.

GLP-1 agonists – the injectable weight-loss medicines – have exploded in popularity, offering hope to millions. But at what cost? If given to everyone who might benefit, they could bankrupt the NHS. Are we treating a symptom while ignoring the root causes of obesity? And whose responsibility is it anyway – individuals, the health service, policymakers, or society as a whole?

Professor Rupert Payne (Professor of Primary Care and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Exeter, and practising GP) will explore the rise of obesity, the science behind these "wonder drugs," their effectiveness and safety, and how we might use them responsibly.

📅 Tuesday 30 June 2026
🕡 6:30pm – 8:00pm
📍 Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9RD
🎟️ £15 General | £6 Students | FREE for Members

The talk includes time for questions and discussion. Booking strongly advised.

👉 Book now: https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/events/the-boom-in-weight-loss-jabs-medicines-as-a-solution-for-societal-failure/

The boom in weight loss jabs: medicines as a solution for societal failure? Discover how weight‑loss jabs and GLP‑1 medicines are reshaping healthcare, society, and responsibility in tackling obesity.

1776: How the Magnificent Seven Made America Great

Thursday 25 June 2026 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester

As America marks its 250th anniversary, join us for a fascinating evening exploring the extraordinary individuals who shaped the birth of a nation.

Did you know? The very same year the Manchester Lit & Phil was founded in 1781, British troops surrendered to George Washington's make-shift army at Yorktown — setting the United States on its path to independence.

Award-winning trans-Atlantic journalist and author Lindsay Sutton takes us beyond the battlefields to tell the human stories behind the revolution. Forget "battle, battle, battle" — this is the tale of seven remarkable individuals (including one radical British writer and thinker!) whose vision, courage and conviction helped forge a new world.

A veteran of the Daily Mirror, Daily Mail, The Times, ITV, Sky and the BBC, Lindsay has covered every US Presidential election since Jimmy Carter in 1976 — and yes, he's even met "The Donald."

Expect lively storytelling, sharp insight and a Q&A session. Light refreshments available from the bar.

Tickets:
£15 General Admission | £6 Students | FREE for Members

Wheelchair accessible venue.

Booking essential — secure your place via the link below!

https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/events/1776-how-the-magnificent-seven-made-america-great/

#1776

Home Broadening minds since 1781. We’re here to make you think. And think again. To challenge your opinions and see the world differently.

Bernard Lovell: Radio Astronomy, Faith and Cricket

Meet the man behind the iconic Jodrell Bank telescope that still dominates the Cheshire skyline today!

Sir Bernard Lovell (1913-2012) was so much more than a pioneering radio astronomer. He was a WWII hero whose airborne radar work helped turn the tide in the Battle of the Atlantic, a devoted Methodist who saw science as "unveiling the magnificent method and grandeur of God's creation," and a passionate cricketer who captained Chelford Cricket Club and later became President of Lancashire County Cricket Club.

When his ambitious 250ft telescope project went 10x over budget in the 1950s, critics dubbed it "Lovell's Folly." But when Sputnik launched in 1957, his telescope was the ONLY one in the world capable of tracking it, and he became an international hero overnight.

A member of the Manchester Lit&Phil and recipient of our prestigious Dalton Medal in 1959, Lovell's legacy continues to inspire.

Discover the full story of this remarkable scientist, communicator, and man of faith

https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/past-members/bernard-lovell/