Polly Toynbee and David Walker at People’s History Museum
With the Labour party’s constant infighting never far from the news, it’s easy to forget that this year marks 20 years since their historic 1997 electoral victory. Guardian columnist and former SDP candidate Polly Toynbee joins David Walker, with whom she wrote the book ‘The Verdict: Did Labour Change Britain’ to attempt to answer the question posed in book’s title. The discussion is hosted by The University of Nottingham’s Steven Fielding, who’ll also be presenting the third man himself, Peter Mandelson, in a discussion of New Labour’s legacy later this month.
Fri 7 Apr, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester, M3 3ER. Tel: 0161 838 9190, 6pm – 8pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Mystery Tubes Launch at Islington Mill
This Friday, you can catch the launch of art project Mystery Tubes at Islington Mill. £25 gets you a tube filled with mystery art produced by the Mill’s denizens: Screen prints, risographs and originals all rolled up and ready to surprise yourself with. The tubes might not be free – money goes to the Mill’s collapsed roof fund – but this party certainly is. And there’s free boozy refreshments from Cloudwater Brewery to enjoy as well. See our full preview for more details
Fri 7 Apr, Islington Mill, 1 James Street, Salford, M3 5HW. Tel: 0161 278 6404, 6pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com

VR art bar at Spinningfields
This Saturday is your last chance to catch this interesting pop up at Spinningfields. Italian beer brand Peroni presents a VR art bar where, with the aid of a HTC Vive headset, you can step right inside the digital artworks. Check out our full preview for more information.
Until Sat 8 Apr, The House of Peroni, Spinningfields Square, Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3AP 12pm – 10.30pm (Sat), www.thehouseofperoni.com

Frances Lennon Weekend at Sip Club (pictured)
Mancunian artist Frances Lennon passed away two years ago, leaving a body of funny, biographical work perhaps topped only by Lowry  himself. She’s still well remembered and particularly beloved in her native Stretford, where local venue Sip Club – in conjunction with BBC Get Creative – is running a programme of activities based around her life and work. Starting with a talk on Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday will be taken up with family friendly art and storytelling activities. And if you’re just looking to drop in, there’ll be original works on display all weekend.
Fri 7 Apr – Sun 9 Apr, Sip Club, 164A Barton Road, Stretford, M32 8DP. 2pm – 12am, www.facebook.com

Unfazed at Whiskey Jar
Unfazed run undergound house and techno nights all round Manchester, and this Saturday they’re coming to Tariff Street’s Whiskey Jar. On the bill is old-school duo Versus, Dublin-based jockey Dan Stritch and Unfazed resident Dan Partington. They’re also teasing a mystery special guest from Spanish label Elrow Music, whose identity will be revealed on the night. Register online for a free ticket to guarantee entry, or you can chance your arm for drop outs on the door. Make sure you get in before 11.30pm though, as the door price leaps up to £5 after that.
Sat 8 Apr, The Whiskey Jar, 14 Tariff Street, Manchester, M1 2FF. 8pm – 4am, www.skiddle.com

Northern Quarter Makers Market
The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a Maker’s Market, and this Sunday it’s the Northern Quarter’s turn. Pick up handcrafted jewellery from Hoochie Mama, or a hamburger from What’s The Beef – with 95 stalls to choose from, there’s guaranteed something for everyone. Find out more by looking at our preview.
Sun 9 Apr, Northern Quarter Makers Market, Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DN. 11am – 5pm, www.themakersmarket.co.uk

Fri 7 Apr - Sun 9 Apr
Words:
Jon Whiteley
Published on:
Thu 6 Apr 2017