Free things to do in Manchester this weekend ft. Emmeline Pankhurst + more

Pankhurst Statue Unveiling at St. Peter’s Square (pictured)
After a long build up, Hazel Reeves’ new statue of Emmeline Pankhurst – located at the corner of Central Library – is finally being unveiled on Friday morning, marking 100 years of women’s suffrage. Things kick off at midday, when the Manchester Community Choir will be singing suffragette anthems to mark the occasion.
Fri 14 Dec, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD, 12pm – 2pm, www.facebook.com

Our Emmeline at People’s History Museum
The celebrations continue throughout the day at the People’s History Museum. Earlycomers can pick up a suffragette sash, rosette and poncho and take part in a march down to Central in time for the midday unveiling. If you can’t get down early, there’s still an opportunity to pick up a poncho (they have 6000, apparently), explore the museum’s many fascinating exhibits, and enjoy a reasonably-priced celebratory lunch hosted in the Left Bank café.
Fri 14 Dec, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER, 8am – 2pm, www.phm.org.uk

How Do We Know What It Is That We Know at Manchester Art Gallery
Artist Yara al-Sherbini has long used pop culture and humour to skewer and question social and political systems, and in her latest work she turns her gaze to knowledge itself – questioning what we know, and how we know we know it. This interactive talk at Manchester Art Gallery on Saturday aims to playfully provoke the audience, both challenging their precepts of knowledge and inviting them to contribute to a common understanding. Booking ahead for this event is essential.
Sat 15 Dec, Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL, 2pm – 3.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Last Chance to See Lightwaves at Salford Quays
This Sunday is your last opportunity to enjoy The Quays’ massive light installation, as Lightwaves packs up for another year. Check out our full preview for more information.
Until Sun 16 Dec, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ, Tel: 0161 876 2112, 4pm – 10.30pm, www.thequays.org.uk

Inner City Waves at Band on the Wall
Band on the Wall presents the fourteenth instalment of their regular, free urban music showcase Inner City Waves this Sunday evening. Headlining is local music collective NoSpace who formed earlier this year, and put out their debut EP ‘The Out of Body EP’ only months later. They are supported on the night by soulful guitarist Taff Jr, experimental disco artist Sarah Angel and jazz-funk producer/critical darling Scott Xylo. This is a standing show, and booking ahead is essential to guarantee entry.
Sun 16 Dec, Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ, 7.30pm – 11pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk