Free things to do this week ft. Verbose, Nick Thurston + more

Verbose Literature Night at Fallow Café
Spoken work is never far from our picks, with an explosion over the past few years of these nights. Verbose, taking place at the venue formerly known as Trof Fallowfield, is a long running live literature and spoken word night, with it’s own unique twist. The focus here is science and speculative fiction, also encompassing horror, dystopia and weird words. Alongside open mic performances, you’ll also be able to see guest speakers from the Manchester Speculative Fiction group Sarah Jasmon, Eric Ian Steele and Graeme Shimmin, who’s known for his work in alternate histories.
Mon 23 Nov, Fallow Café, 2a Landcross Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6NA. Tel: 0161 224 0467, 7.30pm, www.fallowcafe.com

Nick Thurston Talk at The Whitworth (pictured)
The Whitworth’s Tuesday Talks are a great, low pressure way to engage with art in the city’s best gallery in the middle of the day. This talk is presented by sculpturist, writer, lecturer and publisher Nick Thurston, who’ll be talking through his research into extra-literary writing, all within the confines of the gallery’s Grand Hall. There’s no booking required for this one, but it’s likely to be popular, so arrive early to guarantee a seat.
Tue 24 Nov, The Whitworth, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER. Tel: 0161 275 7450, 11am – 12.30pm, www.facebook.com

Christmas Makers Market at Spinningfields
The Makers Market at Spinningfields usually runs just once a month on the third weekend, but for the weeks running up to Christmas, you’ll be able to catch your fix every single week. The market runs up until Christmas, every Thursday – Sunday, from this week. Over 300 cottage businesses will be represented at the fair, including bakers, artists, designers and jewellery makers. All of them local, all of them producing authentic handmade goods. Accompanying the shopping is a music, choral singing and cookery demonstrations, all aimed at getting your festive juices flowing.
Thu 26 Nov – Sun 20 Dec, Makers Market, Spinningfields Square & The Avenue, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AE. 11am – 7pm (Thu – Sun only), www.themakersmarket.co.uk

Rowena Harris Exhibition at OBJECT/A
This is your last chance to see photographer Rowena Harris’s exhibition at the Quakers meeting house before it’s packed up at the weekend. The exhibition, entitled ‘Third Hand Prosthesis’, is an exploration of the body divided into its constituent parts. Check out our full preview for full preview for more details.
30 Oct – Sat 28 Nov, OBJECT / A Gallery, Friends’ Meeting House, 6 Mount Street (Bootle Street Entrance), Manchester, M2 5NS. Tel: 0161 833 3087, www.object-a.co.uk