The Manchester Lit and Phil

25/09/2026

Is social media really making young people unhappy, or is the story more complicated?

Join Dr Margarita Panayiotou and Professor Neil Humphrey for an evidence-led conversation about social media, young people and mental health. They’ll explore what research can, and can’t, tell us, why some claims capture public attention, and what this means for policy.

📅 22 October 2026
📍 Citylabs 1.0, Manchester
🥤 Drinks from 6pm | Talk starts at 6.30pm
🎟️ £15 general admission | £6 students | Free for members

Booking is essential. Find out more and reserve your place:

Explore the evidence behind social media's impact on young people's mental health and wellbeing in this thought-provoking public lecture.

24/09/2026

From discovering pulsars to championing inclusion in physics, Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell has an extraordinary story to tell.

Watch the recording of Careering Through Astronomy and hear from one of the most distinguished scientists of our time. The event also honours her exceptional contributions with Manchester Lit & Phil’s highest honour: the John Dalton Medal.

▶️ Watch now: https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/read-watch-listen/careering-through-astronomy/

24/09/2026

23/09/2026

Meet one of Manchester’s most formidable civic reformers: Shena Simon, Baroness Simon of Wythenshawe.

A true trailblazer for education and women’s rights, Lady Shena Simon was a driving force in 20th-century Manchester. Whether serving as Lady Mayoress, chairing the Education Committee of Manchester City Council, or advocating tirelessly for comprehensive schooling, her influence helped reshape the educational landscape of our city.

Shena exemplified the spirit of public service and intellectual curiosity that our society has championed for centuries. Her legacy is not just in the records of the past, but in the schools, policies, and progress that continue to benefit Manchester today.

Join us in celebrating this remarkable woman who proved that dedicated, principled leadership can change the world.

Explore the full story of Shena Simon’s life here: https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/read-watch-listen/shena-simon/

"

21/09/2026

Join us at the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society for a thought-provoking evening exploring one of humanity's most enduring moral questions: Can any war ever truly be justified?

From ancient philosophy to modern conflict, delve into the ethics, principles, and dilemmas that shape our understanding of warfare, justice, and the difficult decisions nations face. This is a timely and challenging discussion for anyone who thinks deeply about morality, history, and the world we live in today.

A journey through ethics and philosophy.
A reflection on conflict and conscience.
An evening for enquiring minds.

📅 Date: Thursday 29th October
🕖 Time: 7.00pm-9.00pm
📍 Location: Friends' Meeting House, Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS

Book your tickets now:
https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/events/in-search-of-a-just-war/

Whether you're fascinated by philosophy, history, or current affairs, this evening promises to challenge assumptions and spark meaningful conversation.

17/09/2026

This visionary engineer connected Manchester to the world, meet Sir Edward Leader Williams.

As the chief engineer behind the legendary Manchester Ship Canal, Sir Edward transformed our landlocked city into one of Britain’s busiest inland ports. Opened in 1894, this monumental 36-mile waterway was an engineering marvel of its age, powering Manchester’s industry and forging trade routes that reached across the globe.

A distinguished member of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, Sir Edward combined technical brilliance with bold ambition, turning what many considered impossible into a defining achievement of the Victorian era. His legacy flows through the very waters that helped shape modern Manchester.

Join us in honouring a man whose vision and determination left an indelible mark on our city’s history.

Discover more about his remarkable life and his connection to our society here: https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/past-members/sir-edward-leader-williams/

15/09/2026

Shakespeare, Gardens and Rosa Grindon

Join us at the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society for a fascinating journey through Shakespeare's world of gardens, flowers, and the remarkable woman who championed his work in Manchester.

Discover the life and legacy of Rosa Grindon, a pioneering Shakespeare scholar and passionate advocate whose lectures brought the Bard to life for Manchester audiences. Explore how gardens, blooms, and the natural world blossom throughout Shakespeare's plays, weaving beauty and meaning into his timeless verse.

A celebration of literature, nature, and local history.
A tribute to a trailblazing Manchester figure.
An evening for curious minds and Shakespeare lovers alike.

📅 Date: 3 November
🕖 Time: 6.30pm
📍 Location: Anthony Burgess Foundation

Book your tickets now:
https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/events/shakespeare-gardens-and-rosa-grindon/

Whether you're drawn to Shakespeare, fascinated by history, or simply love a beautiful story, this is one evening not to be missed.