Free things to do this week ft. Collages, Free Grub + Upcycled X-Wings

Here we go again, with this week’s free picks of stuff to do/see/eat in Manchester:

Cut It/Stick It at Contact
City Hack is a series of urban art summer workshops run by Platform Mcr and are primarily, but not exclusively, aimed at teens. For this particular workshop, you’ll be invited to create images inspired by the theme of City Hack with collagist Beth Powell. There’s two sessions running – one for 11-17 year olds at 3pm, and another at 6pm for 18 and up – and unfortunately it’s only free for under 18s and Platform Mcr members. However, the fee for everyone else stands at £5, which is a pretty humble sum if you’re feeling crafty
Mon 10 Aug, Contact, Oxford Road, M15 6JA, 1pm – 3pm / 6pm – 8pm, £5 (adults/non-members), www.contactmcr.com

Taster Tours at Manchester Museum
Running every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday – at 1pm, 2pm and 1pm respectively – are these tours. Meet at the main desk on the ground floor, and be whisked around the museum’s impressive collection, which currently includes a genuine Easter Island head. They’ll probably tell you about that weird crab in the window as well, if that’s ever piqued your curiosity. These taster tours run all year, but best to get in now while there’s no students milling around.
Tue, Wed, Thu, Manchester Museum, The University Of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, 1pm / 2pm, events.manchester.ac.uk 

Free Food at Hatters Hostel
Every Tuesday, budget sleepery Hatters opens up its kitchen to feed the hungry mouths of the penniless. Menus aren’t released in advance, but get down to the hostel’s common room for 8pm for some mystery grub. Hatters also houses Hold Fast, which is one of the NQ’s best bars – so check that out after you’ve lined your stomach.
Every Tue, 50 Newton Street, M1 2EA, 8pm, www.hattershostels.com

Heavy Petal at Spinningfields (pictured)
This has been open since April, but didn’t get the coverage it deserved at the time. The work of lighting designer Andrew Gibson, the exhibition features Star Wars ships – and X-Wing and Tie Fighter, to be specific – rendered in upcycled bicycle frames and strip lights. They’re very simple and effective, tastefully lit in unit on 3 Hardman St. If you’re checking new organic café Rust and Stone – opening on the green this month – it’s well worth taking a detour for this exhibition, before Disney litigates.
from April 2015, 3 Hardman Street, Spinningfields, M3 3HF, www.spinningfieldsonline.com