Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. cooking classes, spoken word & more

Story telling: Tracing the Belgian Refugees at Central Library
On Monday afternoon, Central Library hosts this workshop event – one of the last to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One – that focuses on the stories of Belgian refugees who fled continent as the trenches swallowed their homes. As well as talks and the opportunity to see artefacts from this period, you will have the opportunity to share your own stories (if you have any) to contribute to a forthcoming exhibition at the Imperial War Museum in 2020.
Mon 17 Dec, Manchester Central Library, Saint Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD, 1pm – 5pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Spoken word: Christmas Verbose at Fred’s Ale House in Levenshulme
Spoken word night Verbose, formerly based at Fallowfield’s Fallow Café, comes to Fred’s Ale House in Levenshulme this Monday night. Each show features new writing around a theme, and this month’s theme is Christmas – as you might expect. Verbose always put together a good night, scooping themselves the ‘Best Regular Spoken Word Event’ gong at this year’s Saboteur awards. As well as spoken word, there will also be confirmed music performances from ‘weird pop’ singer-songwriter My Pleasure (pictured), and DIY girl band The Dolly Shakes. This event is free entry, but there will be a collection for Francis House Children’s Hospice on the night, so you’re encouraged to dig deep.
Mon 17 Dec, Freds Ale House, 843 Stockport Road, Manchester, M19 3PW, 8pm – 10.30pm, www.facebook.com

Manchester Veg People’s Cook School at MMU’s Milk and Honey cafe
Every month, the head chef at the Milk and Honey Café – part of the MMU Chaplaincy Service at St. Peter’s House – has been running these Cook School sessions, which are free cooking lessons focusing on interesting ways to prepare and cook local, seasonal veg. Working with Manchester Veg people – a co-operative that works with organic growers and buyers alike – you will be given the opportunity to experiment with two different vegetables. Entry includes the session, as well as the option to take home free veg at the end.
Tue 18 Dec, Milk and Honey Café, St Peters House, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9GH, 3pm – 3.45pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Club night: SMS-Mas at Common
Legendary Manchester club night Stop Making Sense celebrates their tenth Christmas, with a blowout party at Common on Edge Street. The longtime resident DJs will be spinning punk-funk, wobbly disco, techno and weird pop. Their home venue will also be putting on drinks offers all night, including £3.50 pints and two-for-£10 cocktails.
Thu 20 Dec, Common, 39 – 41 Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HW, 7pm – 1am, www.facebook.com

Art exhibition: Caroline Dowsett’s solo show at Altrincham’s Libero
Caroline Dowsett – who designed our fetching tote bags – currently has an exhibition at Libero Bar in Altrincham, but it’s only running until Friday so get in while you can! Our full preview has more details.
Until Fri 21 Dec, Libero Bar, Unit 2A, Kings Court, Railway Street, Altrincham, WA14 2RE, times vary, www.facebook.com