Join us for an illuminating evening of honest conversation about one of the most significant forces shaping our society. As Manchester continues to evolve into an increasingly diverse metropolis, we’re bringing together remarkable community leaders to explore how immigration enriches our city while thoughtfully addressing the challenges of creating a truly integrated society.

Tickets are free but booking is essential. To book your ticket, please visit MACFEST’s Eventbrite page

 

Our Distinguished Speakers

Qaisra Shahraz MBE JP FRSA

An acclaimed British-Pakistani novelist and activist, she has dedicated her life to weaving connections between communities. As founder of MACFEST (Manchester’s Muslim Arts and Culture Festival), she creates spaces where different cultures can meet, share stories, and discover their common ground. Her work demonstrates how art and culture can transform understanding between people of all backgrounds.

Erinma Bell MBE DL JP

Brings invaluable perspective as a British-Nigerian community peace activist, councillor, and pioneering leader. Her groundbreaking work in Moss Side and Longsight has shown how strong communities can overcome serious challenges through cooperation and mutual support. As the first woman honoured with a sculpture in Manchester Town Hall / Central Library, her legacy inspires new approaches to building safer, more connected neighbourhoods.

 

Topics for Discussion

Together, they’ll explore questions that matter to all of us: How do we honour both shared identity and cultural distinctiveness? What role can education play in bringing communities together? How can we support newcomers while strengthening existing community bonds? Drawing from their rich personal and professional experiences, our speakers will share insights into creating a society where everyone can thrive.

 

Event Chair

Guiding this important conversation will be Darryl Morris, the award-winning broadcaster, filmmaker, and writer known for his thoughtful approach to complex social issues. His skilled facilitation will help us move beyond simplified debates to explore practical paths forward.

 

Audience Participation

This evening isn’t just about listening – it’s about participating in shaping our future. We warmly invite audience members to share their experiences, questions, and ideas as we work together to envision and build a more connected Manchester.

Join us as we explore how our city’s diversity can become its greatest strength.

 

Practical Information

Tickets are free but booking is essential. To book your ticket, please visit MACFEST’s Eventbrite page

 

Accessibility Information

Please contact us regarding any specific accessibility requirements you may have by emailing events@manlitphil.ac.uk

Rest is sometimes seen as a luxury by those who want to ‘get ahead’. We are being asked to do more, to achieve more, to live ‘fuller lives’. But many of us are experiencing burnout. Something needs to change. We need to reframe rest – to see it as an investment in our wellbeing; as an antidote to burnout culture.

If you’re feeling frazzled, this panel discussion promises some incredible insights from people whose stories you really need to hear. What does ‘self-care’ actually mean or look like? What’s the difference between physical rest and creative rest? How can we make space for rest? Inspiring panellists will talk about their personal journeys towards greater wellbeing, and share insights into what they have learned along the way.

Kya Buller is joined by Scottee of Wonkee Yoga, Emma Campbell from the podcast Open, and Business Psychologist Liam Brodigan.

It’s going to be an impactful discussion, so don’t miss out.

Nazir Afzal was told that justice wasn’t for him. As a young man, facing racism and violence, his father had warned him off calling the police. “The police are just not interested in you… there is no justice.” he said. There is no justice.

Several decades later, with a fire lit in his stomach, justice became Nazir’s life. In his role as a Chief Prosecutor, he tackled some of the most violent and harrowing criminal cases and brought justice to parts of the community that it had previously failed to reach.

In what promises to be a wide-ranging conversation, Nazir Afzal will speak to Times Radio’s Darryl Morris about his life and career on the frontline of the British legal system. From tackling Rochdale’s sex ring, to risking everything with pioneering cases against perpetrators of honour killings and modern slavery. Nazir will tell the stories that helped shape modern Britain, as witnessed firsthand from the prosecutor’s office.

Now Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Nazir is regularly called on by the BBC, ITV and Sky News for his take on politics and popular culture and will share his view on the current state of the justice system, where it finds itself today, and if there are still people for whom ‘there is no justice.’