Free things to do in Manchester this week FT Hit & Run, renae & more

This Tuesday, Stells selections’ Javan will be tagging in for an evening voyage into the far fringes of his collection in search of unheard gems from across the musical spectrum.

However deep he goes, the man is never 30 seconds from starting a full scale rave up, so make sure you dress appropriately.

Inspired by Factory International’s summer exhibition Ai Weiwei: Button Up!, this workshop on the history of dissident and protest art since the 1950s, explores cases from both sides of the Iron Curtain.

Discover how artists fought for art to express political views, and how in recent decades cultural institutions have come to expect artists to ‘perform’ political positions.

The workshop includes a talk, Q&A session and an opportunity for participants to formulate their own views, guided by Vid Simoniti – author of the book Artists Remake the World (2023) and a lecturer in Philosophy of Art and University of Liverpool.

Every Saturday, The Copper Bar heats up at La Fiesta: a vibrant, free celebration of global sounds and feel-good energy.

This week, super talented and passion-driven singer/performer Chilli Chacha will be taking to the stage, bringing positivity, energy and good vibes through music and dance. Expect unique and fresh interpretations of soul, rnb, jazz, reggae and Afrobeats tunes.

This Saturday night, DJs Tropic & ABB will be returning to Ramona for another journey into the jungle.

From warm-up grooves to late-night rhythms, A Little Bit Orange, Sam Pratt, Krafty and Savannah will guide the dancefloor through deep & soulful house music.

Get yourself over to Freight Island this Sunday for a full-day Hit & Run summer session as DJs Alix Perez, Paige Julia and Rich Reason take to the decks to deliver all the best dancefloor fillers so you can end your week the right way.