Jeanette Winterson at John Rylands Library
Our first pick of free things to do in Manchester this week is this lecture from writer Jeanette Winterson. The John Rylands Library have invited the Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit author to deliver their Research Institute’s annual lecture, which will be on the subject of Reading The Future. The lecture will focus on the importance of the library, and other libraries in Manchester, both as guardians of historical texts and participants in the city’s ongoing literary life. This event is sold out on Eventbrite, but with free ticketed events like this it’s always worth keeping an eye out for drop outs on the day.
Tue 8 May, The John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH. 5.30pm – 7pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Chethams Saxophone Choir at Bridgewater Hall
Talented young saxophonists from the Chetham’s School of Music will be performing at free lunchtime concert in the foyer of the Bridgewater Hall on Wednesday. Just one of the school’s many musical ensembles, the Saxophone Choir features musicians aged 10-18 playing both classical orchestral pieces as well as more freeform jazz. There will also be some original compositions thrown into the mix. The event is unticketed, so just stop by if you want some great music to take you over the midweek hump.
Wed 9 May, The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3WS. 12.45pm – 1.45pm, www.facebook.com

Shen Xin and Faye Wei Wei Exhibition Preview at CFCCA (pictured)
The Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art launches two new exhibitions this week and you can catch previews of both on Thursday evening. In Gallery 1, you can see work by award-winning video artist Shen Xin, who has produced her new film Warm Spell – tackling the subject of climate change – especially for this exhibition, to be displayed alongside two of her earlier works. In Gallery 2, gifted large-scale painter Faye Wei Wei unveils a collection of new paintings from the last six months. Refreshments will be provided on the night.
Thu 10 May, Market Buildings, 13 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1EU. 6pm – 8pm, www.facebook.com

Joan Baez Night at Art of Tea
Didsbury tea shop The Art of Tea hosts a night dedicated to the work of activist and folk legend Joan Baez. Local musicians will be interpreting a number of her songs – and no doubt also interpreting Joan’s interpretations of other people’s songs – on the venue’s small stage. This is the latest in a series of appreciation nights from gig promoters Papillon, who in the past have covered the likes of David Bowie, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell.
Thu 10 May, The Art of Tea, 47 Barlow Moor Rad, Manchester, M20 6TW. 7pm – 11pm, www.facebook.com

Mon 7 May - Sat 12 May
Words:
Jon Whiteley
Published on:
Sun 6 May 2018