Gabriel Birch Exhibition at Caustic Coastal
Salford gallery and studio Caustic Coastal launched its biggest ever solo exhibition this week, handing over all three exhibition spaces to London-based sculptor and installation artist Gabriel Birch. Birch’s work looks at structure and urbanism, and he tries to reflect the city outside his studio in his pieces, often working with unusual materials. This free exhibition, entitled ‘Second Skin’, will not only be taking over the gallery: Birch has also provided a new semi-permanent outdoor sculpture at Caustic Coastal’s front entrance.
Tue 24 Oct – Sun 26 Nov, Caustic Coastal, Unit 2, Regent Trading Estate, Oldfield Road, Salford, M5 4DE. 1pm – 5pm (Thu & Sat only),
www.causticcoastal.biz

Gothic Studies Books Launch at 70 Oxford Street
The Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies – based at Manchester Metropolitan University – is hosting a bumper literary event at 70 Oxford Street this Saturday, where they’re launching not one, not two, but FIVE new publications. The Centre has been an international driving force in the study of gothic literature over the past decade, and the diversity of their research is reflected in these new books, which cover everything from classical Spanish gothic literature, through to contemporary authors like Clive Barker. This free event is a must-attend for anyone with an interest in tales of the macabre.
Sat 28 Oct, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5NH. 6pm – 7pm, www.eventbrite.com

Fairfield Social Club Opening Weekend (pictured)
This weekend, Manchester celebrates the opening of a brand new venue: The Fairfield Social Club on Temperance Street. Like many of the city’s best watering holes, it’s an archway venue that transforms out the battered remnants of Manchester’s industrial glory into a charming DIY space. As well as hosting the extensive roster of DJs, and the vast selections of local ales on offer – we are in the heart of th brewery district, after all – the venue will also be taking up its role as the new home of GRUB Food Fair on Friday and Saturday. You can read more about GRUB in our full preview.
Fri 27 Oct – Sun 29 Oct, Fairfield Social Club, Archway 6, Temperance Street, Manchester, M12 6HR. 1pm – 8pm, www.facebook.com

A Grand Exposition at Talbot Mill
Billing itself as an “Art Fair, Fun Palace, Science Salon and Techno Theatre” Talbot Mill’s Grand Exposition opens its doors this Friday, promising a weekend packed with all things art and science s part of the Manchester Science Festival. Throughout the weekend there’s going to be a number of activities, talks and family-friendly workshops to get stuck into, as well as the launch of new artworks, including visual and sonic art that can’t be experienced anywhere else. In addition to this, there’s also going to be a steampunk fair – should you be looking to pick up some goggles or a phone case that looks like it’s made of cogs – and an artisan gin bar. The daytime events are free to enter, but they’re also offering some evening events which can be attended at £8 a ticket. Read our preview.
Fri 27 Oct – Sun 29 Oct, Talbot Mill, 44 Ellesmere Street, Manchester, M15 4JY. 11am – 6pm, www.facebook.com

Words:
Jon Whiteley
Published on:
Thu 26 Oct 2017