Free things to do in Manchester this week ft Michael Crick and Sing City

It’s nearly the end of the month and if you’re penny pinching ‘til payday, you may be looking to spend a few quiet nights in. But worry not: You can put Netflix on hold and recork that bottle of Aldi wine, because we’re back to show you that you can pull yourself out of the midweek slump without putting your hand in your pocket. The best things in life are free, and screw all the birds and bees you have to smash your way through as you clamber towards them.

Michael Crick at People’s History Museum
Broadcaster and journalist Michael Crick is best-recognised as one of the many faces of Newsnight and more recently in his role as political editor of Channel 4 News. Here he hosts a talk on the subject of the forthcoming election, sharing some of his thoughts and providing some insight into the world of political reporting, drawn from his 30 years of experience in the field. This talk is free, but there’s a suggested donation of three pounds if you’re looking to lighten your wallet.
Wed 25 Mar, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, M3 3ER, 6pm – 7pm, www.phm.org.uk

Sing City Writes at Band on the Wall (pictured)
Sing City is a Lottery-funded project for the under 18s that seeks to connect the with other young musicians, as well as providing support and mentorship from professional musicians. This event at legendary music venue Band on the Wall is a showcase for some of the prodigious proto pop stars who’ve worked with the project. This showcase is geared towards under 18s as an audience as well, so it’s the perfect recommendation for any bored teens you might know.
Wed 25 Mar, Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, M4 5JZ, 7pm, www.bandonthewall.org

Sound Without Vision at Islington Mill
If you’re too old for Sing City – and statistically-speaking you probably are – then you can still get your free musical kicks down at Islington Mill, Salford’s Willy Wonka factory of all things art. Sound Without Vision will be playing a selection of world music for the benefit of its listener, the twist being that these listeners will be immersed in total darkness so they can fully connect with the music. Presumably, you also don’t have to worry about any emotions your facial expressions might convey should they play a song you don’t like. National dishes are also served to bring the immersion full circle.
Wed 25 Mar, 1 James Street, Salford, M3 5HW, 7pm, www.islingtonmill.com

Launch Pad at Castlefield Gallery
The Manchester School of Art’s latest crop of graduates present one last hurrah before stepping out into the wider world. This three-day exhibition features work from three short-listed artists: Ian Malhotra, Emily Rusby and Sunshinejack. Their work covers drawing, video and sculpture, so there’s plenty to get stuck into whatever your bent. Thursday is the evening preview, but you’ve got until Sunday to check out these young artists before they find stardom/are forced to get office jobs.
Thur 26 Mar – Sun 29 Mar, Castlefield Gallery, 2 Hewitt Street, M15 4GB, 6pm – 9pm (preview), 1pm – 6pm (exhibition), www.castlefieldgallery.co.uk