Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. Holly Ringland + more

Holly Ringland at Waterstones Deansgate
Our first pick of free things to do in Manchester this week is this discussion at Waterstones on Deansgate between journalist Kate Leaver and author Holy Ringland, who will be talking about Ringland’s new book The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. The Australian writer funnels her unusual upbringing and her years of creative writing teaching into her work, and here will be talking about her career and her writing process. This event is free to attend, but advance tickets are required.
Tue 17 Jul, Waterstones, 91 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BW. 6pm – 8pm, www.waterstones.com

Brume at Fuel Café Bar
Brume is a series of live music events organised by local experimental four-piece Plume, the latest of which will be taking place on Tuesday evening at Fuel Café Bar in Withington. The night focuses on experimental, improvised and incomplete pieces, and will feature the talents of synthprovisers BBSO, beatboxer Clarky and the debut of new performer Mr. Mustard. Media artist and florist Floriferous will provide visuals on the night.
Tue 17 Jul, Fuel Café Bar, 448 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 3BW. 8pm – 12am, www.facebook.com

Steven Bode at Manchester Art Gallery (pictured)
On Thursday you can catch this discussion with Steven Bode, the director of Film and Video Umbrella, at Manchester Art Gallery. The organisation presents and promotes artists films, and is now the biggest commissioner of arts films in the country. This talk will take a deep dive into the commissioning and production process, and is part of the Arts Council funded Re-sight programme: A series of events taking place at Manchester Art Gallery, focused on audiovisual art.
Thu 19 Jul, Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL. 6pm – 7pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Free Drinks at Hatch
Lastly, Oxford Road pop-up space Hatch hosts this free drinks social on Thursday evening. The Öl Brewery & Bar will be giving away 100 free pints to users of new dating app JigTalk – an app whose hook is that you have to chat to your matches in order to gradually uncover their profile pictures. In order to claim your drinks, you have to download the app and create a profile, or find a lovesick friend who already has a profile.
Thu 19 Jul, Hatch, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7ED. 6pm – 9pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk