Free things to do in Manchester this weekend ft. Festival of Manchester + more

Last Chance to See Summer Exhibition at Craft & Design Centre
Our first pick of free things to do in Manchester this weekend is this exhibition that’s closing at the Manchester Craft & Design Centre on Saturday. Materialise is a collection of works curated by young-people’s mental health charity 42nd Street and features contributions from five different artists – all working in different mediums. See our full preview for more details.
Until Sat 1 Sep, Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, Manchester, M4 5JD, Tel: 0161 832 4274, 10am – 5.30pm, www.craftanddesign.com

Festival of Manchester at Platt Fields Park
This Saturday, Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield plays host to the first ever Festival of Manchester: A day long free festival with music, food and live performance. Check our our full preview for the full scoop.
Sat 1 Sep, Platt Fields Park, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6LA, 12pm – 10pm, www.festivalofmanchester.uk

Haus22 x Covert at Joshua Brooks
On Saturday night, popular city centre bar Joshua Brooks hosts a rare free party in their basement club. Dance music label Haus22 and local party planners Covert Events have teamed up for this party to promote some of the best local and up-and-coming DJs. The lineup includes laidback, young London artist Haïch, House & Techno DJ Bill Rogers and local club fixture Just Jorge. There’s also an as-yet-unannounced set from a mystery headliner to look forward to. To get in free, you just need to book in advance online – otherwise it’s £5 on the door.
Sat 1 Sep, Joshua Brooks, 106 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6NG, 11pm – 4am, www.facebook.com

Viking Invasion at Anderton Boat Lift (pictured)
If you head a out into deepest, darkest Cheshire this Saturday and Sunday you can witness a live Viking longboat invasion 30 miles inland. The Anderton Boat Lift hosts this event, where Norse cosplayers present authentic replica tools, weapons and armour, with lively displays and action-packed battle reenactments. You’ll learn all about viking history, technology and culture in this fun-filled family weekend
Sat 1 Sep – Sun 2 Sep, Anderton Boat Lift, Lift Lane, Anderton, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6FW. 10am – 3.30pm, www.canalriverstrust.org.uk

WestFest in West Didsbury
A little closer to home this Saturday and Sunday is WestFest in West Didsbury. Centred around the shops, bars and eateries of Burton Road, and you can take a short, culinary tour of the local area enjoying plenty of fun and activities as you go. Our full preview has the full lowdown.
Sat 1 Sep – Sun 2 Sep, Various venues, Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 1LH, Opening times vary, www.westfestdidsbury.com