Ascension Church, Hulme

23/06/2026

A gentle, reflective moment in Sunday's service as Jess and Seb Foxwell, a brilliant flautist and pianist from Virtuocity Orchestra, played contemplative music for us.

As we heard Jesus’ words, “Do not be afraid… you are of more value than many sparrows,” the children quietly coloured alongside us - a lovely reminder that worship can hold stillness, creativity and all ages together.

Sometimes the deepest messages arrive not with a fanfare, but in a whisper, a melody, or a child’s crayon drawing.

Thanks, Jess and Seb, for your beautiful rendition!

22/06/2026

21/06/2026

What an incredible afternoon at 'Originals'!

We welcomed almost 150 people through the doors and raised an amazing £933.45 for the Save Our Sanctuary campaign.

More importantly, the event reminded us what Ascension Church is all about: community, creativity, generosity and bringing people together.

Special thanks to all our performers and volunteers who shared their gifts so generously and helped make the afternoon so memorable. Every pound raised will support the ongoing work of Ascension Church and help secure the future of this much-loved community space.

21/06/2026

🕊️

21/06/2026

15/06/2026

Join us tomorrow for an evening of conversation, reflection and shared learning as we explore different faith perspectives on migration and discuss how we can contribute positively to supporting refugees in our communities.

Book your tickets here: RefugeeWeekDialogue.eventbrite.co.uk

15/06/2026

Skip to 1:24:40 to hear Father Azariah talk about his inspiration for yesterday's brilliant 'Originals' concert!

Join Simone Riley for faith stories and the morning news.

13/06/2026

'Originals' is tomorrow! If you haven't bought your tickets yet, there's still time!

Click this link to get yours: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/originals-a-concert-of-azariah-france-williams-and-friends-tickets-1990467512913?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/06/2026

Looking for an affordable office space in South Manchester with a story to tell?

We're offering a furnished office for up to eight people at Ascension Church, Hulme - a unique workspace in a building with deep roots in Manchester's community history and the 1980s Sanctuary movement.

Whether you're a startup, charity, social enterprise, creative team or small business, we'd love to show you around!

07/06/2026

760 Days in Sanctuary Guided Tours are back!

As part of Hulme Is Where The Art Is!, we're delighted to offer two more free guided tours of 760 Days in Sanctuary at Ascension.

In December 1986, Sri Lankan activist Viraj Mendis entered the Church of the Ascension seeking sanctuary from deportation. For the next 760 days, the church became both a refuge and a rallying point, defended around the clock by the Viraj Mendis Defence Campaign – a movement that brought together local residents, students and campaigners in one of Britain's longest sanctuary campaigns.

The exhibition was created by Dr Kerry Pimblott in partnership with The In-Solidarity Network, with support from the Arts & Humanities Research Council and the University of Manchester.

🎧 Visitors are encouraged to bring a smartphone to access oral histories featured within the exhibition.

♿ A stairlift is available to facilitate access to upper levels of the building.