Sadler’s Yard

Celebrate World Poetry Day with us in Sadler’s Yard.

Do you ever struggle to find the right words?

Well, look no further, because for one day only, they’re all gathering in Sadler’s Yard. Join us for playful poetry, wilful wordiness and a gentle reminder that language is something you can get creative with.

TALKAOKE

We hadn’t heard of TALKAOKE until recently either. But now we’re into it!

Talkaoke is a pop-up talk show where anyone can sit at a glowing round table and join the conversation. It sounds odd. It is a bit odd. It’s also brilliant. This is the Manchester debut of this cult format, so come and have your say, (or just listen in and enjoy the ride).

POETRY FOR PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP

10am–12pm

A free workshop led by Manchester Cathedral’s Writer in Residence, Tom Branfoot. Arrive with nothing but a notebook and leave two hours later with a jaw full of verses. You’ll explore rhythm, voice and confidence and maybe surprise yourself.

Sign up here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984611578656?aff=oddtdtcreator

Speaking of which…

PERFORMANCE POETRY STAGE

An afternoon of live performance from some of Manchester’s best spoken word artists, alongside open mic slots for anyone brave enough to step forward. First-timers welcome. Seasoned pros welcome. Poems made up on the spot also welcome.

ALPHABET SOUP

We’re cooking up a large pot of minestrone with alphabet pasta. Eat your words quite literally. Free for all attendees, with donations encouraged for local children’s literacy charities. Come for the consonants, stay for the carbs.

FONT WORKSHOP

Back to basics. In this drop-in clay workshop, you’ll sculpt your own letterform and learn simple techniques for shaping type by hand. Every character made on the day will become part of a collaborative alphabet, which we’ll digitise and share once complete. A typeface built in public.

CUT-UP POETRY

You’re a poet and you didn’t know it.

Join Jot Bookshop to slice, shuffle and reassemble fragments of text into brand new poems. If it was good enough for Bowie it’s good enough for us.

JOT BOOKSHOP

Your local independent bookseller will be in Sadler’s Yard all afternoon with a carefully curated selection of contemporary fiction, poetry and small press gems. Browse, chat, and take something home.

Poetry for Performance Workshop: 10am–12pm

All other activities: 12–6pm

Free to attend. Family friendly.

Make Merry in the Yard is a warm and welcoming festive gathering in Sadler’s Yard, NOMA, bringing the community together for an lunch time of creativity and cheer to get you in the festive spirit.

Enjoy live music throughout the event by the Besses Boys Brass Band while enjoying complimentary mulled wine and mince pies from Pot Kettle Black.

Visitors can also take part in a hands-on, family-friendly lino-cut card making workshop-perfect for crafting something personal for the festive season.

On Sunday 31st August, it’s all happening in Sadler’s Yard, and you’re invited.

This isn’t just any fête – it’s also a celebration of ten years of Sadler’s Yard, the hub of the neighbourhood, city’s first public square built in a hundred years, named by public vote after James Sadler, balloonist, chemist, pastry chef, and first man (with cat) to launch into the skies from this very neighbourhood.

In honour of this strange and brilliant legacy, expect:

• LIVE FOLK MUSIC

• PLANT SALES

• A VEGETABLE COMPETITION JUDGED

(with absolutely no authority)

• COOKERY DEMOS

(with pastry, of course)

• CAT PORTRAITURE

By Mr Gordo

• THE FIRST OFFICIAL GATHERING OF PEOPLE NAMED JAMES™

Bring your James to claim a commemorative badge!

Throw in some morris dancing, a tombola, and whatever local honey is going, and you’ve got yourself a proper day out.

Together We Rise is a creative collaboration visually bringing the story of James Sadler to life, 10-years since Sadler’s Yard was named by public vote.

NOMA has teamed up with illustrator, Beth Travers of BOBO1325 – a Partner at architectural & design destination Material Source Studio based at NOMA – to artistically chart the life of pastry chef-turned-balloonist Sadler.

In the first of a series of free events, join local writer Hayley Flynn on Tuesday 14 May at 12pm for a specially curated walking tour.

Hayley brings her placemaking and critical-thinking specialism to the tour, revealing the lesser known stories of the wider NOMA neighbourhood as seen through an alternative eye.

There is also an opportunity to see Beth and the first artwork in the Together We Rise series as it takes shape in a visit to Material Source Studio.

Each participant will also be gifted a limited edition print to take away.

12-1pm. Meet in Sadler’s Yard.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know with your Eventbrite booking.

Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.