Free things to do this week ft. The Thick Of It, PIN Studios + more

Dark Night of The Scarecrow Screening at Hold Fast (pictured)
Certificate X Film Screenings started out in 2012, screening the gnarliest and pulpiest horror ever committed to celluloid across a variety of Manchester venues. They moved in to their current home – the Jules Verne-themed basement bar Hold Fast – in 2015, and this is where they’re hosting their latest screening. Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a grisly TV movie from 1981, with a creepy sack-headed villain exacting bloody vengeance from beyond the grave. This is a rare screening of an obscure classic, and is well worth a look-in for horror fans.
Tue 6 Jun, Hold Fast, 50 Newton Street, Manchester, M1 2EA. 7.30pm – 9.30pm, www.facebook.com

The Thick Of It Quiz at Common (and the Abel Heywood)
It’s been years since hyperreal satirical comedy The Thick of It disappeared from our screens, but the recent curve of real-life politics throws up endless comparisons to its plotlines. Scheduled just in time for the general election, this quiz at Edge Street’s Common relives the show’s glory days with several rounds covering everything from the unique lexicon it created, to the endless creativity of Malcolm Tucker’s potty mouth. Strangely enough there’s another one around the corner at the Abel Heywood on the same night, hosted by the Quizzly Bears, which costs £2 per person.
Wed 7 Jun, Common, 39 Edge Street, Manchester M4 1HW. Tel: 0161 832 9245, 7.30m – 10.30pm, www.facebook.com

Last Chance to See PIN Exhibition at Electrik
Paul Hemmingfield’s PIN Studio is best known for its poster work, creating art for the likes of Now Wave and The Warehouse Project. Some of the studio’s original artwork is on display at Chorlton’s Electrik until Thursday, in an exhibition around album designs for a fictional record label. See our full preview for more details.
Until Thu 8 Jun, Electrik Bar, 559 Wilbraham Road, Manchester, M21 0AE. Tel: 0161 881 3315, 7pm, www.facebook.com

Marxism and Civil Society at People’s History Museum
This year’s election has seen the return of real Left versus Right politics, so it’s apt that this lecture on the impact of Marxism and communism upon society takes place on polling day. Delivered by Professor Kevin Morgan of Manchester University’s Politics department, the lecture looks at the role of British communist parties in twentieth century struggles and their relevance in today’s politics. It’s part of a three-day series of lectures at the PHM, with further talks taking place on Friday and Saturday.
Thu 8 Jun, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester, M3 3ER. 10.30am – 12pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk