Free things to do this weekend ft. Manchester Writing Competition, Drøne + more

Day Without Art
Day Without Art is the international art world’s response to world AIDS day, and for the first time ever it’s coming to Manchester, with a packed programme from Manchester Pride’s arts and culture bookers Superbia, promising free art events happening at venues all across the city. See our full preview for more information.
Fri 1 Dec, various venues, all day, superbia.org.uk

Poetry and Fiction Gala at Chetham’s Library
You can be first to find out the winners of the 2017 Manchester Writing Competition at this star-studded gala in the Chetham’s Library’s historic Baronial Hall. Two lucky winners will be picking up ten-thousand pound cheques for the Best Fiction and Best Poetry categories in conjunction with the Manchester Literature Festival. As well as the awards, there will also be short readings from all the finalists and a drinks reception for you to get stuck into. Registering ahead of time is essential if you want to attend this gala.
Fri 1 Dec, Chetham’s Library, Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SB. 7pm – 10pm, www.eventbrite.com

Anetha and Sabes Pre-party at Eastern Bloc
This Friday night, Versions on Princess Street are hosting Parisian underground DJ Anetha for club night Drøne’s last hurrah of 2017. If you’re looking to start the party early – or just can’t spring ten pounds for a gig ticket – you can enjoy this free pre-party at the Northern Quarter’s Eastern Bloc Records. The specialist record shop will be inviting local DJs and Drøne residents for a five-hour warm up to the main event. They’ll even be giving away some complimentary tickets to the big club night at Versions if you get down early enough.
Fri 1 Dec, Eastern Bloc Records, 5A Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 1DN. 6pm – 11pm, www.skiddle.com

GRUB Christmas Food Fair at The Fairfield
GRUB Food Fair gets festive this weekend, with a special Christmas fair. There’s all the usual culinary and homemade treats on offer, with the added bonus of mulled drinks and other festive goodies. You can even pick up your Christmas tree. Check out our full preview for more details.
Fri 1 Dec – Sat 2 Dec, Fairfield Social Club, Archway 6, Temperance Street, Manchester, M12 6HR. 12pm – 10pm (food until 9pm), www.facebook.com

Victor Brox and Matt Nickson Live at Blackjack Taphouse
The Smithfield Market Tavern on Swan Street – a few doors down from Band on the Wall – was taken over by local brewers Blackjack Brewery as their flagship booze outlet, and it’s managed to establish itself as a great music pub in that time. This gig on Sunday afternoon is no exception, presenting free sets from Matt Nickson (pictured) and Victor Brox. Nickson is a talented saxophonist, flutist and band leader, but it’s Brox that’s really selling the show: The Ashtonian and veteran prog rock artist is touted as both Jimi Hendrix and Tina Turner’s favourite white blues singer, and sang on the original cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Sun 3 Dec, Blackjack Taphouse at the The Smithfield, 37 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ. 4pm – 7pm, www.facebook.com