The Whitworth

Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER

A stunning gallery with a mission to use art for social change

We consider ourselves very lucky to call The Whitworth our home in Manchester. Once a month we haunt the galleries with raucous songs and otherworldly harmonies. It’s an exceptional place to sing, attracting newcomers to bravely take the plunge, and luring experienced Sacred Harp singers in from afar. We welcome anyone to join us and be part of our living tradition, here in the beautiful gallery setting.

There are two entrances – either via the front (pictured above) or via the garden at the back of the building. Ask directions at the welcome desk to find which room we’re in on this occasion. 

We will either be upstairs in the Grand Hall, or in Gallery 3 on the ground floor. They are large public spaces, open for visitors to the gallery to enter. They are well lit, with lots of windows. The windows in the gallery can’t be opened so it does get hot in there. Conversely, the Grand Hall can feel cold especially when we ventilate it, so dress for the weather and bring a scarf if you might need it! Feel free to wear a mask if you want to.

We sing loudly, so if there are a lot of us in the room it can be intense. Bring noise-reducing ear plugs to manage the noise levels, and take a break outside at any time if you need.

The Whitworth is wheelchair accessible. There are several stone steps at the front of the building. Step-free access is via the Parkside entrance.  There are 5 parking spaces on Denmark Road for Blue Badge holders. There are assisted toilet facilities, and a lift to all levels.
More details on the website’s own Access page

There are multiple galleries and the venue is large, so it may feel like a long walk to get to the space we’re singing in. There are portable chairs available from reception, as well as several seating places en route, should you need to rest. If you need help way-finding, either tell a member of staff when you arrive, or arrange with us in advance and we’ll be sure to meet you.

We sing seated, arranged in a hollow square. We have fold-out chairs without arms. There are no tables in the centre to rest books. Books are large and heavy and we tend to rest them on our knees – you can bring a cushion to help with posture if you like.

There’s plenty of space so you can just sit and listen if you want. Though it’s not really a spectator sport, so we recommend you join in!

No food or drink is permitted in the gallery, other than water in lidded bottles. You can bring your own food to eat outdoors or in a designated eating, studying and socialising space in the gallery called The Living Room. There is also a café, though please be aware that it’s generally very busy at the weekend, so there may be a long wait for a table.

There are newcomers every single time we sing at The Whitworth so if this is your first time, you’ll not be alone.