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

NQ & Egoïste Gallery residencies at Hatch
Our first pick of free things to do in Manchester this weekend is this five-day art residency that runs into next week. You may have spotted Hatch when you’ve headed down Oxford Road – it’s a big, colourful pile of storage containers next to MMU that function as a temporary retail and exhibition space (pictured). This weekend, it’s being taken over by two independent galleries from Affleck’s Palace: Northern Quarter gallery, who specialise in simple, strong Mancunian-themed prints, and Egoïste, who produce stylised celebrity portraits. Swing by to see some interesting art, and maybe pick up a bargain to hang on your own walls.
Fri 6 Apr – Tue 10 Apr, Hatch, 103 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7ED. 10am – 6pm, www.facebook.com

Free Vibes at Band on the Wall
Next up is this latest instalment of Band on the Wall’s Free Vibes. It’s the venues monthly free night of live music from up-and-coming artists. It always boasts great line ups, and this time is no exception: Headlining the show is upbeat pop lads Treason, not to be confused with the Cincinnati hardcore band of the same name. They are supported on the night by Birmingham garage-rockers The Cosmic, local grunge four-piece Reckid and neo-psychedelic outfit Sioux. Register ahead of time to guarantee entry.
Sat 7 Apr, Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, The Northern Quarter, M4 5JZ. 7.30pm – 11pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Dividing Rules Exhibition at PAPER Gallery
Weekend gallery PAPER launches its latest exhibition this Saturday. Dividing Rules: The Line Between invites ten contributing artists to put their own spin on the the themes of obsession, time, certainty and chance. See our full preview for more details.
Sat 7 Apr – Sat 12 May, PAPER Gallery, Mirabel Studios, 14-20 Mirabel Street, Manchester, M3 1PJ, Tel: 07799 813062, times vary, www.paper-gallery.co.uk

We Have Rather Been Invaded Screening at People’s History Museum
It’s been thirty years since Section 28, a controversial piece of legislation banning the promotion of homosexuality by local councils, was passed into law – sparking outrage and an outpouring of activism unseen before or since. This Saturday, The People’s History Museum hosts a free screening of Ed Webb-Ingall’s 2016 documentary We Have Rather Been Invaded, which focuses in on one particular event, when a group of four lesbian protestors crashed the BBC evening news. The screening is followed by a discussion on the legacy of legislation and the role of queer activism today.
Sat 7 Apr, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester, M3 3ER. 2pm – 4pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk