SISTERS Alanah and Rowan Heywood are stepping out for a starring role in a dramatic dance, music and library art event at the iconic Manchester Central Library tonight and tomorrow.

The sisters, from Heaton, are appearing in Illuminate, a performance in which dancers inspired by classic storytelling bring to life the hundreds of stories and characters who live in the library’s catalogue of literature.

The performance will start outside on the steps between the Corinthian columns before taking the audience inside the library as seven different stories of comedy, love and tragedy unfold in seven different places in the grand building.

The piece by Company Chameleon has been commissioned by Library Live and will take place tonight and tomorrow at 7pm and 9pm.

Alana, aged 13, who attends Thornleigh Salesian College, has been at the dance school for two years. She said: “I am really excited about performing in the show when I can showcase all the hard work that I have done. I am looking forward to performing with my sister and showing her the ropes.”

Rowan, aged 12, a pupil at St Joseph’s RC High School, attends Dawson’s Academy of Dance and Stage. She added: “It has been really good be in the same performance with my sister. We have been practising pieces together “It is the biggest show I have been in and it has sold out.”

Neil MacInnes, head of Manchester Libraries, said: “Libraries are playing an ever-stronger role in the cultural life of the nation and Illuminate is a shining example of how this is being realised. It demonstrates our aspirations and commitment to developing an exciting and diverse cultural offer at Manchester’s libraries.”

For more information visit www.librarylive.co.uk where people can put their name down for tickets on the waiting list.