Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. La La Crafts + more

La La Valentines Crafts at Pen & Pencil
Crafting collective La La Crafts (pictured) present this free crafting evening for women at the Northern Quarter’s Pen & Pencil. It’s being run by painter and illustrator Amy Coney, along with organiser Lucy Noone, who’ll be giving you the materials and inspiration to create a Valentine’s card for your true love – or just for a friend in need of a pick-me-up. All materials are provided by the sponsor Bumble, which is a female-friendly dating app.
Mon 12 Feb, The Pen And Pencil, 57 Hilton Street, Manchester, M1 2EJ. 7pm – 9pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Free Pancakes and Colouring at Common
One of our top picks for Shrove Tuesday, you can get free pancakes at this week’s Colouring Club at Common. The monthly casual drawing night, run by local artists Amy Minto and Camille Smithwick, is offering free discs of pan-fried batter to attendees, so break out your nicest pencils and get down there.
Tue 13 Feb, Common, 39-41 Edge Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 1HW. Tel: 0161 832 9245, all day, www.aplacecalledcommon.co.uk

Liam McClair EP Launch at Eagle Inn
Local musician Liam McClair comes to the Eagle Inn this Thursday, with a free show to launch his new EP Fix It. McClair is the son of veteran United striker Brian McClair, and his own potential football career was cut short due to teenage injuries, leading him towards music and cutting himself a niche of jangly guitar pop that got the 26 year old noticed by BBC Introducing last year. Support on the night comes from alt Americana artist Dom Major and folk artist Ben Williams.
Thu 15 Feb, The Eagle Inn, 19 Collier Street, Greengate, Salford, M3 7DW. 7.30pm – 10.30pm, www.facebook.com

House of Kings and Queens at People’s History Museum
The People’s History Museum kicked off their latest exhibition at the start of this month. House of Kings and Queens collects pictures from documentary photographer Lee Price, who’s been covering the LGBT scene in Sierra Leone. Price’s previous exhibitions have focused in on illicit sexual activity here in Britain, but the stakes are much higher with this new collection – homosexuality is illegal in Sierra Leone and potentially punishable with life imprisonment. The exhibition focuses on the inspiring story of a young transgender woman who opened up her home as a sanctuary for LGBT people. The exhibition run until mid-April – it’s free to attend, but a £5 donation is recommended.
Until Sun 15 Apr, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER. Tel: 0161 838 9190, 10am – 5pm, www.phm.org.uk