Free things to do in Manchester this week ft Knit Chorlton and Season’s Eatings

As the dust settles from another Black Friday brawl, we can take solace in the knowledge that you don’t always have to snap someone’s wrist in order to get your hands on a bargain. Instead, you could just check out this advent calendar of free fun:

Christmas Concert at St. Philip’s in Salford
The Pendleton Sixth Form College in Salford boasts an excellent performing arts department, who’ll be plying their talents at this free concert at St. Philip’s church. The performance features musical theatre students present and past and also includes readings from Christmas classics new and old.
Mon 1 Dec, 2 Wilton Pl, Salford, M3 6FR, 7pm

Knit Chorlton at Oddest (pictured)
The Chorlton wing of the Odd empire presents a free evening for knitting enthusiasts. The suggestion from their promotional spiel is that you could knit a beard, though it’s probably best to start with a scarf if you’re a beginner. All you need to bring is your imagination, and some wool.
Tue 2 Dec, Oddest, 30-32 Thomas St, Chorlton, M4 1ER, 7pm,  www.oddbar.co.uk

Free Food at Pancho’s Burritos
Pancho’s Burritos, based out of a shack in The Arndale market, supply some of the best Mexican food available in the city. Their reputation has come to exceed these humble trappings, with the opening of their new permanent restaurant just off Oxford Road this Thursday. To celebrate this occasion they’re offering free food from 11.30am to 3pm. Absolutely worth taking a long lunch break for.
Thu 4 Dec, Unit 1 The Quadrangle, Chester Street, M1 5QS, 11.30am – 3pm, www.panchosburritos.co.uk

Season’s Eatings at Selfridge’s
More free eats for your Thursday! The city centre department store and ITV drama fodder is ringing in the advent by providing a wee taster of some of delicacies on offer in their elaborate food court. Be sure to get in early, before the good stuff gets swiped by more enterprising foodies.
Thu 4 Dec, Selfridges, 1 Exchange Square, M3 1BD, 4pm – 10pm,  www.selfridges.com

One Fine Night at Fuel in Withington
A night of feminist fairytales and folklore at Withington’s vegetarian enclave. Includes a performance from The Bear Around Your Neck. Free entry, but donations are being taken for PLAN UK and their Because I’m a Girl campaign, which stands up for the rights of women and girls everywhere.
Thu 4 Dec, Fuel Café Bar, 448 Wilmslow Road, Withington, M20 3BW, 7pm – 10pm, Donations welcome, www.facebook.com, www.plan-uk.org