Top Manchester rock photographer Karen McBride will host a special live launch event to celebrate the publication of her forthcoming book – Just a Girl from North Manchester – on Sunday 8 March 2026. (International Women’s Day).

Taking place at independent arts venue The Yard, Cheetham Hill (M8), the evening is curated to reflect the same underground culture documented in McBride’s book – a project rooted in lived experience, local identity and the artists who create outside the mainstream spotlight.

Karen has documented live music and underground creative culture for more than 30 years and has now curated her photography into a book accompanied by her own narration of the story behind the image, as well as insights into her own life and career.

Known for her patient, instinct-driven shooting style, she built her reputation capturing defining performance moments by observing rather than chasing them — a method that has led to widely shared and culturally significant live images.

Her career has included work with major international artists including Oasis, Scissor Sisters, Take That and My Chemical Romance, alongside long-term documentation of unsigned and independent musicians across Manchester’s grassroots venues and creative spaces.

Raised on a North Manchester council estate, McBride’s relationship with photography began as a form of survival and connection. That perspective continues to shape her work today, with a strong emphasis on authenticity, documentary integrity and preserving real performance moments in an increasingly digital and AI-altered visual culture.

Alongside commercial and live music photography, she has built an extensive archive of Manchester music culture, positioning her work as both artistic practice and long-term cultural record.

The intimate book launch event will feature a live performance from Manchester poet Tony Walsh, performing his epic poem And The Dreamers, alongside an acoustic live set from Manchester-based singer-songwriter Shimeon.

Also performing is Manchester singer-songwriter and performer Mary Joanna, daughter of Manchester musician Martin Coogan (frontman of indie band The Mock Turtles) and niece of acclaimed comedian and writer Steve Coogan. Mary Joanna is featured on the front cover of the book too.

She will perform alongside Americana singer-songwriter Helen Walford, with the evening closing on a one-off collaborative duet created exclusively for the launch.

Karen McBride said: “Trying to fit this story into 208 pages has been a challenge — but a wonderful one. This project is about the bigger picture — the people, the music, and the creativity that built my version of Manchester. Bringing this event home means everything.”

Entry to the event is free, with a voluntary donation option – a suggested amount is £5 – with
100% of donations going directly to The Yard, helping support its ongoing work providing space for independent artists, musicians and creative voices in North Manchester.

Karen’s book will be available to purchase at the launch event and will be available to order online later in March – details to be announced.

More info: https://www.theyardmcr.com/events/just-a-girl-from-north-manchester-karen-mcbride-book-launch-performance/