Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. Whistle Stop Opera + more

Whistle Stop Opera at Ordsall Hall
If, like me, you don’t know anything about opera, then our first pick of free things to do in Manchester this week is totally for you. Hosted at Ordsall Hall in Salford and organised by world-leading regional arts organisation Opera North along with Salford Community Leisure, Whistle Stop Opera aims to give a taster of a particular piece, giving an abridged and stripped-down performance. On this occasion, they’ll be performing Mozart’s classic comic melodrama Don Giovanni, in support of this week’s full cast production at The Lowry (pictured).
Mon 5 Mar, Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Lane, Salford, M5 3AN. 3.30pm – 4.30pm, www.eventbrite.com

Andy Burnham & Steve Rotherham at Deloitte
This Tuesday morning offers a real treat for fans of Mayors, as Andy Burnham (Mayor of Manchester) and Steve Rotherham (Mayor of Liverpool) take part in a discussion at the Manchester offices of multinational accounting firm Deloitte. Moderated by Frank McKenna, CEO of Northern networking group Downtown, the two will discuss the issues facing the North West, focusing on the opportunities presented by devolution and how best to develop the two cities’ economies.
Tue 6 Mar, Deloitte, 2 Hardman Street, Manchester, M3 3HF. 8am – 9.30am, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Explore The Mayfield
The Mayfield’s history stretches back to the 18th Century, where it was the centre of the fabric-printing industry and later a railway station, but this event looks to explore its future, as plans are already underway to expand and develop the site – which currently hosts Fairfield Social Club – into something far bigger, and more befitting its storied past. Architect David West – responsible for the controversial renovation of Sheffield’s Park Hill flats – will be talking through his company’s plans for the development of Mayfield Park, which brings together a range of international influences. The event is free to attend, but booking ahead is essential.
Wed 7 Mar, Fairfield Social Club, Archway 6, Temperance Street, Manchester, M12 6HR. 6pm – 7.30pm, www.facebook.com

International Women’s Day Top Picks
This Thursday is International Women’s Day, and we’ve already given a run down of our top picks for the day, and the surrounding days. Some of the free highlights for IWD include a free Women in STEM talk at the Museum of Science and Industry, a panel discussion at People’s History Museum, a day of arts and activism at MMU and the Women’s Football Conference at the National Football Museum.
Thu 8 Mar, Various venues & times