Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. Section 28 + more

Section 28 March 30 Years On at Central Library (pictured)
Our first pick of free things to do in Manchester this week is this talk at Central Library to mark 30 years since one of the most important political marches of recent history. The march was in protest of Section 28, a clause to local government law forbidding authorities from promoting homosexuality, essentially granting them carte blanche to pursue homophobic policies and agendas. Speakers who spoke at the rally, and people involved in organising the huge demonstration will be in attendance to talk through its importance and its legacy. The event is free to attend, but registration ahead of time is essential
Mon 19 Feb, Central Library, St Peters Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. 6pm – 8.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Commonword at Elizabeth Gaskell House
Free poetry night Commonword comes to Elizabeth Gaskell House this Wednesday, which is International Mother Language Day. To celebrate the day, they’ve invited three international bilingual poets – Fereshteh Mozzafarri, Shirley May and Shamshad Khan – to present their poetry and talk a little about how juggling multiple languages affects their work and their creativity. Whilst the event is technically free to attend, you do have to cough up £5 to get into Elizabeth Gaskell House – this admission fee, however, is valid for a full year.
Wed 21 Feb, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, 84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 9LW. 1pm – 2pm, www.eventbrite.com

Irish Diaspora Show n Tell at Irish World Heritage Centre
Manchester’s Irish World Heritage Centre is a touchstone for the local Irish community and for children of Irish immigrants, both of whom are being celebrated in this show and tell event on Thursday evening. The event is based around the ongoing Souvenir Shop exhibition currently happening in the centre’s foyer, an installation that brings together everyday objects rebranded with images of the Easter Rising. Participants in this Show n Tell are invited to discuss objects in the collection and how they relate to Irishness and being Irish in Manchester.
Thu 22 Feb, Irish World Heritage Centre, 1 Irish Town Way, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 0RY. 7pm – 9pm, www.eventbrite.com

Gavin Osborn at Eagle Inn
Comic folk musician Gavin Osborn comes to the Eagle Inn in Salford this Thursday night, as part of his first UK tour in years. Gavin’s work is often slyly political and storytelling by nature, which helped him catch the attentions of vaunted comedian Daniel Kitson and indie superstars Belle & Sebastian, both of whom he has supported on tour. Now with five albums under his belt, he’s coming to Eagle for the first time and this a great opportunity to witness one of British comedy’s unsung gems.
Thu 22 Feb, The Eagle Inn, 18-19 Collier Street, Salford, M3 7DW. 7.30pm – 10.30pm, www.eventbrite.com