Free things to do this weekend ft. Sausage Fest + Ossie Clark

Home to a pretty sizeable student population, the Oxford Road corridor isn’t exactly a stranger to a freebie or two. This weekend the area’s Gallery of Costume and Whitworth Art Gallery are offering up some free events and, best of all, you absolutely do not have to be a student to enjoy ‘em. And if the student bubble isn’t your scene, there’s also some sausage action over in Salford. You’ll have to read on to find out more.

Ossie Clark: a British fashion genius, 1967-1977 at Gallery of Costumes
Whether a musician, actor or artist, the work of very few can be said to define an era – and yet British fashion designer Ossie Clark somehow absolutely nailed the late 60s and 70s. Teaming up with wife and textile designer Celia Birtwell, Clark created bold pieces with chiffon and daring patterns that would help shape fashion of the era. To celebrate the Chester-born icon, the Gallery of Costumes has launched a new exhibition featuring many of the designer’s pieces. Also on show are magazines featuring his work and short films. Read our full preview here.
Thu 30 Jan – Sun 29 Jun, Gallery of Costume, Platt Hall, M14 5LL, Mon – Fri 1-5pm, Sat – Sun 10am-5pm, FREE, www.manchestergalleries.org

Sausage Fest at The Eagle Inn
Veer away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Road for this ‘unashamedly self-indulgent’ prog rock night in Salford. It may seem somewhat misleading in that sausages aren’t actually involved, but luckily for you they’ve managed to involve some equally exciting components. Playing a selection of the best progressive rock spanning the 60s, 70s and 80s, you can also expect some kraut rock, French synth rock, jazz fusion, math rock, space rock and many other inquisitively named sub-genres. The night will also feature guest DJs Liam ‘Platinum Stewart’ and James Christopher Lawrence. And don’t worry, in place of the elusive sausages there will be chilli (with vegetarian option available) and a raffle.
Fri 31 Jan, Eagle Inn, 18 Collier Street, Salford, M3 7DW, FREE entry, www.facebook.com

Whitworth Art Gallery Pub Crawl launch party
Oxford Road’s Whitworth Art Gallery has been closed for a while now, and boy are we missing it as the refurbishment continues. However, this weekend sees its return – although perhaps not in a form you were expecting. This Friday the gallery launches its programme of art, performance, workshops and courses – but because the gallery itself remains closed until autumn, the sessions will take place in various other establishments across the city. Friday’s debut sees the ‘pub crawl’ head to First Chop Brewing Arm brewery just across the river in Salford, for a special live performance from Manchester ethio-trad, folk-hop band Honeyfeet (pictured), with spoken word duo Les Malheureux also performing, and Coops DJing throughout the evening. There’s a free beer on arrival, too. Read the full preview here.
Fri 31 Jan, First Chop Brewing Arm, Unit 3 Trinity Row, Trinity Way, Salford, M3 5EN, Starts 7.30pm, FREE, www.facebook.com