Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. Raul Kohli + more

Raul Kohli at Gullivers
Inclusive comedy night Blizzard Comedy returns to Gullivers on Monday, offering a packed, diverse bill of comedians. Headlining the night is award-winning Geordie comic Raul Kohli who’ll be preparing for his run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, following plaudits for his last show. He’s joined on the night by several other distinctive acts including French-Algerian comedian Celya Ab and local lad Tom Short.
Mon 24 Jun, Gullivers, 109 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LW, 7pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com

Laydeez Do Comics at MMU
The International Graphics Novel and Comics Conference is being hosted by Manchester Metropolitan University this week. As part of the conference Laydeez Do Comics – a networking and promotional group for women in comics – will be running comics workshops on the campus on Wednesday afternoon, where you can learn how to shape your own autobiographical comic. In the evening, they will also be hosting a pop-up event with speakers from the world of comics including Guardian Graphic Novel Prize Winner Rachael Ball. Both of these events are open to all.
Wed 26 Jun, Manchester Metropolitan University, Geoffrey Manton Building, LT5, Rosamond Street West, Manchester, M15 6EB, 2pm, www.eventbrite.com
Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, Room G34, Manchester, M15 6BH, 6.30pm, www.eventbrite.com

Story Cities Launch at Blackwells
Academic bookshop Blackwells hosts another book launch this Thursday evening. Saboteur award winning publishing imprint Arachne Press are putting out their new collection Story Cities: A City Guide for the Imagination, which collects flash fictions from dozens of contributing writers to build up a guidebook for a fictional city. Advanced registration is necessary if you want to attend this event.
Thu 27 Jun, Blackwell’s Bookshop, University Green, 146 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RN, 7pm – 9pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Andy Burnham at Friends’ Meeting House
The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham comes to the Friends Meeting House this Thursday evening for a special talk on the subject of economic justice. Our full preview has all the details.
Thu 27 Jun, Friends’ Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS. 5.30pm – 8pm, www.ippr.org