Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast

The penultimate Full Volume of the year brings a cavalcade of esteemed guests.

Our host Alan Lynch scores a winning interview with England and Man City star Jill Scott, who tells us all about the joys of reading and supports our Festive Book Gifting Appeal this Christmas. 

Paul Wolfgang Webster takes us behind the lens of his new photo exhibition at Central Library, with portraits of Vivienne Westwood and Tony Wilson on display in the Exhibition Hall until the New Year.

Philip Cooke sits down with our new Executive Member Cllr Shazia Butt, who tells us about exciting developments to the service including the plans for Sunday opening hours across a number of Manchester Libraries.

Indie risers Faint Red Star give their debut interview ahead of the eagerly awaited show in the Henry Watson Music Library. 

Plus, there's news of the New Moston library's new Youth Club, what's on tips, chat and more from across your Manchester Libraries. 

Tune in and turn it up!

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns in October with more features, interviews and chat about the amazing things happening this month. 

Acclaimed pop journalist and writer Michael Cragg stops by to talk all things Kylie Minogue ahead of his appearance at Central Library this month. 

Elsewhere, archivist Alison Gill pops in to unveil the brand new Manchester Archives Catalogue. 

DJ MuMu takes us behind the decks of her Vinyl DJ Workshop at the Henry Watson Music Library (part of this year's Cultural Welcome Week). 

Roving reporter Tracy Rostron gets all the latest reading tips from her three grandchildren at Beswick Library. 

Plus, listen out for lots of other special what's on tips for events across our libraries this week - including a round up of the amazing events at this year's Manchester Literature Festival. 

Tune in - and turn it up!

This final episode looks at how period drama was produced at Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio. How did the station sign up leading stage actors like Leo McKern and Frank Duncan? How did the producers put the listener in the middle of their local and historical dramas? Why dramatise out-of-copyright literature?

The programme includes archive material from Manchester Central Library and uses licensed sound effects and music to support the narrative.

You can search the archive from home and listen to over 1,800 full shows on Manchester Central Library's Sound + Vision pods.

This podcast is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Manchester Libraries Trust.

Archive credits

Archive audio from the Piccadilly Radio Collection, full shows available at  Manchester Central Library. Copyright Bauer Media - all rights reserved:

• Murder by Gaslight Series 1, Episode 2: 'The Manchester Martyrs', 1979 (PICC/754)
• The Hound of the Baskervilles Episode 1, 1982 (PICC/767)
• Interview with Tony Hawkins, 2025 (PICCOH/7)
• Wind in the Willows Episode 2, c.1979 (PICC2/461)

Licensed audio

23377 Nineteenth Century City Street Ambience Loop-Full – licensed via Envato Elements
Barn Ambience Jba01-06 – Envato Elements
Bells Big Ben Big Ben C Ee112501 – Envato Elements
City Wss03_09 – Envato Elements
Difourks – Alien Eerie Ambience – Envato Elements
Grandfather Clock Tick Tock Half Speed Rhykp 01 – Envato Elements
Jackhammer Ocp-1065-067 – Envato Elements
Ldj Audio Meadow Ambience V1 – Envato Elements
Ldj Audio City Ambience (Wav) – Envato Elements
Record Scratches 4 Ss016004 – Envato Elements
Rising In The Fog – Envato Elements
Stumbling Main Full – Envato Elements
Train Steam Digid01-78 – Envato Elements
Veh Antq India Car Vintage Old Car Sdindia098 – Envato Elements
Whip Swish – Envato Elements
Whip Swish 1 1 – Envato Elements
Whistle Steam Old Train Prem11-2996 – Envato Elements

Wind – Envato Elements

Rights statement

All licensed material is used in accordance with the terms of the relevant subscription licences. All archive and third-party material remains the property of its respective rights holders.

Narration

Podcast narrative written, researched and read by Dr. Philip Johnstone: Creative Commons licence CC-BY-4.0 (Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Licence).

This month's, Full Volume heads to Wythenshawe Forum Creative Space to get the scoop on the incredible array of special events that have been happening there over the summer.

From jamming with Music Evermore to art classes with Paint Pots, Ken's Keep Fit Class to acting lessons with This Is England star Andrew Ellis - go behind the scenes and discover the amazing programme at this Manchester Libraries gem. 

Elsewhere in the podcast, get all the best What's On tips as we look forward to a busy Autumn ahead. 

PLUS, acclaimed journalist and music industry guru Tony Fletcher takes us inside his brand new book 'Pow! When UK Punk Went Pop 1980-84' ahead of his appearances at Central Library later this September. 

Tune in and turn it up!

This episode explores horror and suspense programming on Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio, examining how sound, silence and pacing were used to create tension and atmosphere. It considers how radio horror engages the listener’s imagination and how these techniques continue to influence contemporary audio storytelling.

The programme includes archive material from Manchester Central Library and uses licensed sound effects and music to support the narrative.

You can search the archive from home and listen to over 1,800 full shows on Manchester Central Library's Sound + Vision pods.

This podcast is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Manchester Libraries Trust.

Archive credits

Archive audio from the Piccadilly Radio Collection, full shows available at  Manchester Central Library. Copyright Bauer Media - all rights reserved:

• The Chronos Experiment (PICC2/55)
• A Matter of Life and Death (PICC2/8)
• Frankenstein (PICC/561)
• Dracula (PICC/595)

Licensed audio

Dog Puppy Movement Ody-0275-040 – Envato Elements
Dogs Doberman Barks Woofs Two Sdclbry 24340 – Envato Elements
Record Scratch – Envato Elements
Slam – Envato Elements
Small Bell Ring – Envato Elements

Rights statement

All licensed material is used in accordance with the terms of the relevant subscription licences. All archive and third-party material remains the property of its respective rights holders.

Narration

Podcast narrative written, researched and read by Dr. Philip Johnstone: Creative Commons licence CC-BY-4.0 (Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Licence).

Our final bonus episode on Piccadilly Radio's science fiction programming is out on 15 September!

This episode explores the use of drama within Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio, examining how sound design, performance and narrative structure were used to create immersive “theatre of the mind” experiences for listeners. It considers how radio drama techniques shaped storytelling and influenced later audio formats including podcasts.

The programme includes archive material from Manchester Central Library and uses licensed sound effects and music to support the narrative.

You can search the archive from home and listen to over 1,800 full shows on Manchester Central Library's Sound + Vision pods.

This podcast is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Manchester Libraries Trust.

Archive credits

Archive audio from the Piccadilly Radio Collection, full shows available at  Manchester Central Library. Copyright Bauer Media - all rights reserved:

• Hunter’s Moon by Stephen Gallagher, 1978 (PICC/770)
• Last Rose of Summer by Stephen Gallagher, 1978 (PICC/762)
• The Babylon Run by Stephen Gallagher, 1979 (PICC2/274)

Licensed audio

• Auto Engine Prem11-0514 – Envato Elements
• Baby Elephant Ody-0231-042 – Envato Elements
• Car Boot Open – Envato Elements
• Dramatic Shift – Envato Elements
• Elephant Trumpeting Pe024801 – Envato Elements
• Fight Kit Punches Odc-0019-323 – Envato Elements
• Gun Cocking – Envato Elements
• Ldj Audio City Ambience Envato Elements
• Running Steps Envato Elements

Rights statement

All licensed material is used in accordance with the terms of the relevant subscription licences. All archive and third-party material remains the property of its respective rights holders.

Narration

Podcast narrative written, researched and read by Dr. Philip Johnstone: Creative Commons licence CC-BY-4.0 (Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Licence).

Our next bonus episode on Piccadilly Radio's horror and suspense programming is out on 15 August!

July's issue of Full Volume features an exclusive interview with author David Nolan in honour of 'Punk Day' at Central Library (the 50th Anniversary of Sex Pistols' iconic gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall), World Cup predictions from the Manchester Libraries team, the low-down on this year's 'Read To The Beat' themed Summer Reading challenge, archive clips from the Piccadilly Radio Archive, and more...

Tune in and turn it up, now!

This episode explores the historical development of commercial radio in the United Kingdom, focusing on the emergence of Piccadilly Radio within the wider context of broadcasting policy, pirate radio, and youth culture. It examines how technological, political and cultural changes shaped the radio landscape from the 1920s through to the 1980s.

You can search the archive from home and listen to over 1,800 full shows on Manchester Central Library's Sound + Vision pods.

This podcast is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Manchester Libraries Trust.

Archive credits

Archive audio from the Piccadilly Radio Collection, full shows available at  Manchester Central Library. Copyright Bauer Media - all rights reserved:

• News File, 29 Jul 1983 12:45pm (PICCNEWS/124)
• News File, 20 Apr 1984 5:45pm (PICC/111)
• Arena: The 50s with Mick Sawyer, 10 Nov 1978 (PICC/622)
• Top Twenty - Across the Universe by Peter Whalley, 25 Jan 1982 (PICC/221)
• Top Twenty - Another Brick In The Wall by Dave Simpson, c.1982 (PICC/237)
• If The Bombs Dropped Now documentary, c. 1974-1980 (PICC/775)
• Mike Sweeney interview with NUM Lancashire president Sid Vincent, Mar 1984 (PICC2/412)
• Ads and promos by the Piccadilly Commercial Production Department, 1970s (PICC/801)

Licensed audio

• Babylon5DoorButto – HollywoodEdge – Envato Elements
• Button Press – ldj_audio – Envato Elements
• Cartoon Fog Horn – Top-Up-Sounds – Envato Elements
• Computer Or Electronic Beeps – Sound-Ideas – Envato Elements
• Electronic Turn On – Cinematic-Sound-Design – Envato Elements
• Incidental Encounter – Arthur Benson – Epidemic Sound
•  In-Surf – ArtHaiz – Envato Elements
• Maple Leaf Rag – gballx – Envato Elements
• News – Boomopera – Envato Elements
• Orchestral Shocking Moment – applehillstudios – Envato Elements
• Press Button Device – Top-Up-Sounds – Envato Elements
• Radio Tuning – applehillstudios – Envato Elements
• Rain Storm Thunder – az_studio – Envato Elements
• Record-Scratch – SoundJay – Envato Elements
• Seagulls Near Seashore – FxProSound – Envato Elements
• Seashore Waves – lokohighman – Envato Elements
• Thunder Storm – Cinematic-Sound-Design – Envato Element
• Time Travel Machine – LoopsLab – Envato Elements
• Time Warp Vanish 46560 – prosoundfx – Envato Elements
• Ui Old Button Harsh Push Hard 01 – SmartSoundFX – Envato Elements
• Warp Drive 05 – sonic-boom – Envato Elements
• Zoom – TibaSFX – Envato Elements

Rights statement

All licensed material is used in accordance with the terms of the relevant subscription licences. All archive and third-party material remains the property of its respective rights holders.

Narration

Podcast narrative written, researched and read by Dr. Philip Johnstone: Creative Commons licence CC-BY-4.0 (Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Licence).

Our next bonus episode on the Piccadilly Radio's drama and sound design is out on 15 July!

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns in June with a packed Pride Month special.
 
 With so many events taking place across our libraries in June, this month presenters Alan Lynch and his co-host Gary Parkinson take you through their pick of the litter with a cavalcade of cracking interviews.

There’s an interview with Greek mythology goddess Natalie Haynes as she tells us about her favourite myths and her new book ‘No Friend To This House’ ahead of her appearance at the Manchester Literature Festival in Central Library. 

Elsewhere, author and Louder Than War journalist Iain Key drops in to give Alan the scoop on his brand new book ‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told: A People’s History of The Smiths’, with plenty of chat about Manchester’s favourite indie icons.

Plus, Gary Parkinson sits down with author, poet, playwright, actor and director: Gerry Potter. Renowned as both creator and destroyer of Chloe Poems, the infamous gay, Scouse, Socialist, gingham-clad, drag queen diva tells Gary about his incredible work and life.

 Alongside this, there’s reflections on Pride and highlights from the Manchester Libraries’ staff on their LGBTQI+ icons, and a themed From The Archives Clip from the Piccadilly Archives. 
 
And there’s a roundup of what’s going on around the local Manchester Libraries throughout the month, including a chat with Ollie from Greater Manchester Choirs, and all the usual fun and games. 
 
Tune in now!
 

This second episode of six explores the role of radio presenters at Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio, examining how personality, voice and audience connection shaped early broadcasting and continue to influence modern podcasting and streaming culture.

You can search the archive from home and listen to over 1,800 full shows on Manchester Central Library's Sound + Vision pods.

This podcast is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Manchester Libraries Trust.

Archive credits

Archive audio from the Piccadilly Radio Collection, full shows available at  Manchester Central Library:

Copyright Bauer Media - all rights reserved:

• Steve Penk Best Of The Jobs, Calls and Wind-ups (PICC/1418)
• HOLY ROADSHOW (PICC/154)
• James Stannage from SWEENEY/ANDERTON (PICC2/403)

Copyright The Chris Sievey Estate - all rights reserved:

• Frank Sidebottom: Mr Gallaghers Zoo 2 with apology at start (PICC/1621)
• Frank Sidbottom: One Year Anniversary Of Radio Timperley (PICC/1639)
• Chris Sievey's Piccadilly Radio show as DJ 'Andy Wright' (PICC/1435)

Copyright Manchester Libraries:

• Oral history with Mark Radcliffe (PICCOH/8)
• Oral history with Brian Beech (PICCOH/5) 
• Oral history with Liz Bracken (PICCOH/6)
• Oral history with Henry Matthews (PICCOH/3) 

Licensed audio

• Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, No. 4 – In the Hall of the Mountain King – Odyssey Orchestra – Epidemic Sound (licensed via epidemicsound.com)
• Keeping My Head in the Sand – Speedy The Spider – Epidemic Sound (licensed via epidemicsound.com)
• The Broadway Strut – Speedy The Spider – Epidemic Sound (licensed via epidemicsound.com)
• Disco Craze – Rymdklang Soundtracks – Epidemic Sound (licensed via epidemicsound.com)

Rights statement

All licensed material is used in accordance with the terms of the relevant subscription licences. All archive and third-party material remains the property of its respective rights holders.

Narration

Podcast narrative written, researched and read by Dr. Philip Johnstone: Creative Commons licence CC-BY-4.0 (Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Licence).

Our next bonus episode on the development of commercial radio is out on 15 June!