Free things to do this weekend ft Paddy Considine, French Festival + Sale Arts

Along with seriously sturdy freebies as part of MIF, there’s also a ton of other things to do this weekend across Manchester. Luckily for you, we’ve picked out the cream of the crop and compiled them into a handy Top 3.

Tim Peaks Diner at The Albert Square Chop House (pictured)
You may have noticed the recent erection of Tim Burgess’ famous fringe topping the Albert Square Chop House, and it turns out this is to promote his Tim Peaks pop-up diner, which commandeers the venue this weekend as part of 2015’s Greater Manchester Fringe Festival (get it?!). During the residency, events at Tim Peaks Diner will include an exclusive set from Paddy Considine’s band Riding The Low – the actor, director and musician will also be in conversation with DJ Dave Haslam (tickets cost £10) – plus Hot Vestry, The Orielles, Drohne, The Everly Pregnant Brothers, Barnabus Rex, Les Fleurs DJs, Tony Husband’s Cartoon Workshop (work pictured), Pusher, Yucutan, Howling Rhythm DJs, Skyliner’s Alternative Manchester Walking Tour and more.
Sat 11 – Sun 12 Jul, Albert Square Chop House, 14 Albert Square, M2 5PF, 12pm – 1am, FREE, www.albertsquarechophouse.com

Altrincham French Festival
A celebration of the wonderful French culture, the annual family-friendly Altrincham French Festival returns this weekend for its third outing. In the true style of France, expect fine food, lots of wine and entertainment, along with a live demo of graffiti art by Manchester’s Russ Meehan, magic by illusionist Guillaume Vallee, music from the Stockport Accordion Players, Altrincham choir Absolute Belters, Manchester jazz group Swing Commanders, French singer Laura Esther and kids’ activities like face painting and a treasure hunt. There’s also a three-course Bastille dinner on Saturday, where tickets are £30 a pop.
Sun 12 Jul, Stamford Park, Moss Lane, Altrincham, 11am – 7pm, FREE, www.altyfrenchfestival.co.uk

Sale Arts Trail
With talks, demos, workshops and the work of 54 artists on sale in 24 venues across the area, from garage studios and art cafes to canal boats, the Sale Arts Trail is an annual open studio event promoting artists and makers in the Trafford and surrounding areas. There’s no set order to the trail, so you’re free to simply make your way through the various venues at your own pace – check out the map here. The artists are also featured in a group exhibition at Waterside Arts Centre, and there’s a there’s also a preview event on Friday between 6 – 9pm.
Sat 11 – Sun 12 Jul, Various venues and times, FREE, www.saleartstrail.com

Know of any good freebies coming up? Email jess at manchesterwire dot co dot uk with the deets.