The countdown to Christmas is on and the fantastic free events keep on flowing.
From walking tours all about the Haçienda years, to Macramé workshops, to avant-garde art exhibitions—we’ve got something for just about everyone this week. Check out our guide on the best free things to do in Manchester this week.
Here’s the rundown…
Presented by PINK, this art installation by Manchester artist, Harry Stevenson Miller, is definitely not your average exhibition.
Comprised of 82 hand-painted panels which have been fashioned into a fence, shrine, fountain and a marble representation of the artwork Madonna and Child by Ernest Cole—this is sure to impress. All about celebrating Manchester’s brilliant architectural spaces, specifically the unoccupied floors of 86 Princess Street, stumble upon this enclosed garden of artwork and see for yourself the grand amalgamation of poetry, history, politics and art that exists all in the same place.
Perfect for anyone who loves Christmas and crafting, head over to Manchester Metropolitan University for a little Saturday afternoon full of refreshments, crafting and some very wholesome vibes.
Led by a local Mancunian Macramé artist, this is great for all abilities—whether you’re a Macramé magician or just starting out. With an ethos of relaxation and tranquillity at the heart of this workshop, let your mind wander as your hands do the work and by the end of the session, you’ll have made your very own Christmas tree decoration! Whether you gift it to a loved one or keep it yourself, this is a great way to start getting into the festive spirit.
Brought to you by Manchester Momentum, head to Oldham Street this Wednesday for a free mid-week film screening of the brilliant Sorry to Bother You (2018).
Written and directed by Boots Riley, this director’s debut movie starring Lakeith Stanfield, Terry Crews, Steven Yeun, Armie Hammer and many more big names is definitely a must-watch. The plot follows a young Black telemarketer who adopts a white accent to succeed at his job, yet finds himself at a crossroads between choosing a life of profit or joining his politically-active friends.
Followed by a discussion exploring the themes of the movie—this is a great opportunity to exercise your activism in an entertaining and social way.
Devised by Mojo’s very own Ed Glinert, this walking tour explores all the greatest historical hotspots of music and culture in the city.
Covering musical legends such as Joy Divison, New Order, Happy Mondays, Buzzcocks, The Stone Roses and the Smiths—this walking tour will be sure to show you the musical and nightlife history of Manchester and how it all converged in one of the world’s most notorious clubs, the Haçienda.
Featuring fascinating insights into Factory Records, the pumping beat of the city, and how the city itself became a muse for these great Mancunian musicians—this tour will definitely have you seeing Manchester in a brand new light.
- Words:
- Rhiannon Ingle
- Published on:
- Tue 7 Dec 2021
Join the Manchester School of Art and the National Gallery in discovering how the talented lot at Manchester Art Gallery put on the incredible Bellotto exhibition.
Discussing how historic art still holds importance to a modern audience alongside the ways in which rich art history is seamlessly woven into the very fabric of contemporary art—this is a great one for any art-heads out there.
Ran by Der Zivilist collective alongside Hannah Williamson, the curator at Manchester Art Gallery, join in to share your thoughts on the artistic process, explore the past through art and reflect on how it has influenced all the new and modern adaptations of the craft.