Free things to do in Manchester this weekend ft. Special Measures + more

Special Measures at Burgess Foundation
Cornish actor/director/filmmaker and National Health activist Steven Carne brings his Special Measures cabaret to the International Anthony Burgess Foundation this Friday evening. The cabaret draws from influences as diverse as Stephen Sondheim and Lily Allen, to tell a story about the NHS and advocate strongly for its continued public ownership. The event is supported by trade union Unite, and is free to attend – although donations on the door are greatly appreciated.
Fri 16 Nov, International Anthony Burges Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester, M1 5BY, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

CND Christmas Fair at Birch Community Association
On Saturday, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament host their annual Christmas fair at the Birch Community Association in Rusholme. As well as the usual crafts and trinkets, you can also find out more about the work the CND do. Our full preview has more details.
Sat 17 Nov, Birch Community Association, Brighton Grove, Manchester, M14 5JT, Tel: 0161 224 4624, 11am – 4pm, www.facebook.com

Manchester Craft & Design Centre Christmas Launch (pictured)
Another chance to grab some crafty bits this Saturday, as the Manchester Craft & Design Centre launches its Winter season. The Northern Quarter bazaar will be decking the halls and packing the stalls with new, handmade items from the centre’s artisans – with some of the most unique gift ideas the city has to offer. A lucky few can even sign up for a personal shopping experience on the day, giving you exclusive access to an expert who’ll guide you through all the traders and their wares. As well as shopping, there’s also live music, refreshments and family-friendly activities on offer all day.
Sat 17 Nov, Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, Manchester, M4 5JD, 12pm – 5pm, www.facebook.com

Yanan Xu and Phoebe Kam at The Whitworth
Part of the Whitworth’s regular Sunday concerts series, the Oxford Road gallery invites RNCM-trained Harp and Flute duo Yanan Xu and Phoebe Kam to perform. They will take you through both solo and duo compositions, in the warm comfort of the South Gallery, with dramatic panoramic views overlooking Whitworth Park. These concerts are monthly, and the next one will feature the Bossa Nova Quartet on Sunday 9 December.
Sun 18 Nov, The Whitworth, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER, 3pm – 4pm, www.facebook.com

Aperture Tour at John Rylands Library
John Rylands Library stays open late for a free photography tour this Sunday evening. You’ll get an early look at – and opportunity to photograph – the library’s historic reading room in all its vaulted glory, before it’s opened to the general public. See our full preview for more information.
Sun 18 Nov, The John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH, Tel: 0161 306 0555, 10.30pm – 11.30pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk