Free things to do this weekend ft. Junk Shop, Chorlton Green Farmers Market + The Village Haul

December is just around the corner, and with this news comes the gut-wrenching realisation that Christmas shopping should probably commence. It can be a bit tedious, but we’ve got some free events that may help you out – whether you’re looking to get creative yourself or simply in the market to buy some unique trinkets to put under the tree. Don’t forget there’s also the #OffTheHighSt Xmas Market kicking off on Friday.

Sewing classes by Junk Shop and Recycle 4 Greater Manchester
Junk Shop and recycle 4 Greater Manchester have teamed up for a project that provides free sewing and recycling classes. Each session will teach you the basic skills required to recycled unwanted clothing into a new wardrobe and by then end, you’ll have used every simple recycling technique to create a cleverly designed bag for life made from unwanted fabrics, which is yours to take home. Feel free to bring along any unwanted cotton clothing for recycling assessement. The class is completely free but places are allocated on a first come, first served basis, so you’ll need to book by clicking this link. Simply specify in the comments box the class you wish to sign up to.
Sat 29 Nov, Manchester Quaker Centre, Mount Street, 1.30 – 4.30pm, FREE (booking essential), www.junkshop.co.uk

Chorlton Green Farmers Market
Chorlton Green plays host to an eclectic mix of street food, artisan produce from award-winning local producers, unique crafts and live music this weekend, with the return of its popular monthly farmers market. This one’s perfect for knuckling down with some Christmas shopping – and you can kill two birds with one stone by diving into the Horse and Jockey, which is also holding its monthly craft fair with vintage, art, furnishings, gifts, aromathery and more.
Sat 29 Nov, 11am – 5pm, The Horse & Jockey Pub/Chorlton Green, Chorlton, M21 9HS, FREE, www.horseandjockeychorlton.com

The Village Haul Vintage and Design Winter Fair
Set yourself up for some more Christmas shopping potential on Sunday over in Prestich, where you’ll find a wintry wonderland of vintage ceramics, glass, clothes and jewellery along with contemporary designers showcasing their crafts. Traders include Prestwich local Ellie Magpie, ceramics by Sarah Heaton, string art by Amanda Roberts (pictured) and SeventySeventyOne Design, and there will also be lots of tea, cake, music and DJs to keep you entertained in between browsing and shopping.
Sun 30 Nov, Church Lane Community Centre, Prestwich, M25 1AJ, 1pm-6pm, FREE, www.facebook.com