Free things to do in Manchester this week FT DJ Paulette, The Whitworth and more

Join the Build Manchester finale featuring music, skate jams and art – in celebration of 25 years of Manchester skate institution, Note.

The free event, which is on a first-come-first-served basis, will see a celebration of all things skate culture complete with skate demos, live DJs and MCs, film premieres and a specially-curated exhibition inspired by Manchester’s skate culture.

Get yourself over to The Whitworth this Thursday for a short and sweet evening affair seeing the first major retrospective of the work of Trinidadian artist and poet, John Lyons.

Surveying six decades of Lyons’ contribution to British art, literature and art education, the exhibition centres on his exploration of Trinidadian folklore and mythology through painting and poetry.

Head to Salford’s Working Class Movement Library this week for an archival deep dive as we open the vaults to explore their Big Flame collection.

These sessions allow participants to get involved in the archival digitisation process and offer a new perspective on the archive. Participants will also be able to ask library staff about the materials and the history of Big Flame through engaging with the archive firsthand.

If you’re after a cheap and cheerful way to spend this Saturday afternoon, look no further than Escape to Freight Island for its all-summer-long festival series.

Hacienda & Homoelectric regular, DJ Paulette, will be joining the line-up this weekend for a headline DJ set with support from Supernature Disco, Maclo, Good Custard & Sezbenny from What She Said Club.

Swing by Ramona for the exciting debut of the SHIMRISE event series kicking off this Saturday night.

All about fearlessly bringing high energy performances to the stage while creating a distinctive sound and take on house music, the likes of Murder He Wrote, Obeka, Baby B and the electrifying Kultura Collective joining the line-up.