Free things to do this week ft. Bird Stories, LizzieJane + more

Bird Stories at Anthony Burgess Foundation
The Anthony Burgess Foundation at Chorlton Mill hosts this one-off discussion between writer and MMU lecturer Nicholas Royle, and his namesake, the writer and Sussex University lecturer Nicholas Royle. The two Royles will be talking through their latest works in what promises to be the most confusing literary event of the year. See our full preview for more information.
Tue 16 May, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester M1 5BY. Tel: 0161 235 0776, 7pm, www.anthonyburgess.org

LizzieJane EP Launch at Whiskey Jar (pictured)
Local singer-songwriter LizzieJane comes to the Whiskey Jar on Tariff Street this Tuesday to launch her new EP. Entitled ‘Him’, the EP was six months in the making and physical copies will be available for purchase on the night. LizzieJane will be performing an unplugged set as part of the night, alongside a packed bill of support acts including local favourites such as Robbie Cavanagh and Alastair Dickie. It’s only a small venue, so make sure you get down early to ensure a good seat.
Tue 16 May, The Whiskey Jar, 14 Tariff Street, Manchester, M1 2FF. 8pm – 11pm, www.facebook.com

Children’s TV Quiz at Koffee Pot
Koffee Pot’s Quiz of DOOM returns with a Children’s TV Special. If you’ve been looking for an outlet to test your knowledge of 80s and early 90s television, then this is absolutely for you: Covering everything from Art Attack to ZZZap, this quiz will push the limits of childhood memory – provided, of course, you were a child within a very specific time period. If that’s not enough: It’s also happy hour all night, and there’s free food for all competitors.
Thu 18 May, The Koffee Pot, 84-88 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LF. 7.30pm – 10.30pm, www.facebook.com

Skiddle’s 16th Birthday at Sound Control
Ticketing service Skiddle celebrates its 16th birthday this week, and to celebrate it’s taking over the entirety of Sound Control, with three rooms of live bands, DJs and a micro-festival vibe. It’s everything you could want from a night out all under one roof. Free tickets are limited, and don’t guarantee entry – so arrive early or stump up £10. See our full preview for a full line up.
Thu 18 May, Sound Control, 1 New Wakefield Street, Manchester, M1 5NP. Tel: 0161 236 0340, 9pm – 3am, www.skiddle.com