Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. Lee Mack + more

Evening with Lee Mack at The Lowry
Our first pick of free things to do in Manchester this week is this very high-profile chat at the Lowry on Tuesday. Lee Mack is one of the region’s most successful comedians, carving out a 20 year career in stand up, and creating beloved studio sitcom Not Going Out. He’s being interviewed on stage by BBC Controller of Comedy Commissioning Shane Allen, who’ll be taking the audience through Lee’s career, inspirations and creative process. At the time of writing this event is sold out, but it’s always worth checking with the venue for drop outs on the day.
Tue 26 Jun, Compass Room, The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ. Tel: 0843 208 6000, 6.30pm – 9.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Photography in the Third Age at Burgess Foundation
On Wednesday, you can catch this fascinating talk at the Burgess Foundation on the current state – and future of – photography, from visiting Australian photography professor Dr Alasdair Foster. Check out our full preview to find out more.
Wed 27 Jun, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester, M1 5BY. Tel: 0161 235 0776, 6.30pm, www.anthonyburgess.org

Dave Haslam at Urmston Library (pictured)
Haçienda DJ turned music writer Dave Haslam launched his new book Sonic Youth Slept on My Floor earlier this year, and this Wednesday he’s performing a reading from it at Urmston Library, as part of Trafford Council’s Wordfest – an annual area-wide literary festival that’s been running throughout this month. The book covers Dave’s time as a DJ and music lover, charting the rise of Manchester groups and the many luminaries he came in touch with, from Morrissey, to Johnny Rotten, to cult writer Raymond Carver.
Wed 27 Jun, Urmston Library, 34 Golden Way, Urmston, Manchester, M41 0NA. 7.30pm – 9pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Fab Café’s 20th Birthday
It’s been 20 years since Portland Street nerd bar Fab first opened its Tardis doors, and to celebrate they’re throwing a free party. As well as tunes through til 2am, they’ve got a full evening of entertainment: Stand-up comedy courtesy of Comic’s Anonymous and a performance from IT rock and rollers Foxdog Studios, who’ll be crowdsourcing a cooked breakfast (how? You’ll have to go along to find out). The venue will also be serving up a limited supply of free punch and free cake, and there will be amply opportunities to win Fab Café goodies.
Thu 28 Jun, Fab Café, 111 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 6DN. 7.30pm – 2am, www.facebook.com