Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. Rubiks Collective + more

Rubiks Collective at Burgess Foundation
Australian contemporary-classical ensemble Rubiks Collective are coming to the Burgess Foundation on Monday for a free performance as part of their first ever European tour. The tour is called Species, and features the work of young, up-and-coming Australian composers – promoting works written over the past few years. If you want to witness the cutting edge of antipodean chamber music, then booking ahead is essential.
Mon 30 Jul, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester, M1 5BY. 8pm – 9pm, www.eventbrite.com

Finding the Cotton Famine at Portico Library
The Portico Library hosts this one-off poetry event on the subject of the cotton famine this Tuesday evening. Researchers at the University of Exeter have been working to preserve and document the poetry and prose of those affected by the Lancashire cotton famine of the 1860s. This event features readings from the collection, as well as information on how to access the newly-assembled poetry database. At the time of writing, this event is sold out, but it’s always worth checking with the venue for dropouts on the day.
Tue 31 Jul, The Portico Library & Gallery, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HY. 6.30pm – 8.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Free Vibes at Band on the Wall
Band on the Wall presents another instalment of Free Vibes, their regular free entry night of new music from local artists. This particular lineup has been curate by Amazing Radio/Salford City FM DJ Shell Zenner, and features some of her favourite new artists that she’s been pushing in the studio. Headlining is garage psych band The Goa Express, with support from ethereal dream pop four-piece Dream English Kid, electronic band Kyōgen and local glam band Electric Viper Club.
Thu 2 Aug, Band on the Wall, 25 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ. 7.30pm – 11pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Cocktail Launch at Font
Manchester’s best spot for cut-price cocktails is launching their latest concoction this Friday and is throwing a free party to celebrate, with some free drinks thrown in for good measure. Check out our full preview for more details.
Thu 2 Aug, The Font, 7-9 New Wakefield Street, Manchester, M1 5NP. Tel: 0161 236 0944. 8pm, www.facebook.com