Free things to do in Manchester this week ft The Sensory War, jazz and short story writing

With the Christmas markets swinging into action around now, there’s no shortage of free fun going on in Manchester. But if you’re not quite ready to be buried beneath a tidal wave of glühwein and reindeer wood carvings, there’s still plenty about for the restless Scrooge to partake in…

Short Story Writing Workshop at Chorlton Library
Part of the Chorlton Book Festival, this event aims to furnish young writers with the tools to create their very own short story over a two-hour session. It’s led by writer and Manchester University PhD student Valerie O’Riordan, a vaunted storyteller in her own right. The event is free, but booking ahead is advised.
Mon 17 Nov, Chorlton Library, Manchester Road, M21 9PN, 6pm – 8pm, Tel: 0161 227 3700, www.isuu.com

Exhibition tour: The Sensory War 1914-2014 at Manchester Art Gallery (pictured)
The Sensory War, which runs until February, looks at how artists have reacted and interpreted global conflicts, and the devastating technologies they birthed, over the past century. The exhibition run is punctuated regularly with free tours, including on Thursday evening, allowing members of the public a deeper insight into this moving and frequently harrowing exhibition.
Thu 20 Nov, Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, M2 3JL, 6pm – 7pm, exhibition runs Tue 11 Oct 2014 – Sun 22 Feb 2015, www.manchestergalleries.org

Something Else at Saddle Club
Following the rebranding of of The Bay Horse’s basement as Saddle Club – a hip speakeasy ripped straight from pages of Fitzgerald – it’s only fitting that it launches a new night to accompany the surroundings. Something Else is a night of jazz, spinning all the greats from Shepp to Coltrane, every Thursday. Help celebrate the launch of a swing staple.
Thu 20 Nov, Saddle Club at The Bay Horse, 35-37 Thomas Street,  M4 1NA. 6pm – close, www.thebayhorsepub.co.uk

Discover more free things to do in Manchester.