Free things to do this week ft. Easter Rising, Elections + more

Easter Rising VR Experience at IWM North (pictured)
It’s 100 years since the Easter Rising: An event that kickstarted Irish Independence, eventually leading to the formation of the Republic, and it’s currently being commemorated in a very unique way at IWM North on Salford Quays. Voice of a Rebel is an immersive virtual reality experience that puts visitors right at the centre of the story as told by Willie McNieve, a republican fighter who was present at the time. It’s your last chance to catch it this week, as it closes on Friday.
Until Fri 11 Nov, IWM North, Trafford Wharf Road, Stretford, Manchester, M17 1TZ. Tel: 0161 836 4000, 11am – 4pm, www.imwm.org.uk

Spirited Away FLIM NITE at 3MT
Spoken word night FLIM is an interesting concept: For each instalment they take a popular film as the theme, and then a roster of writers, poets and orators put their own spin on it. This month’s film is the 2001 Japanese animated classic Spirited Away, a film rich in folklore and imagery that the plucky FLIM writers will no doubt take advantage of. The night is free entry, but there’s a suggested donation of £2.
Mon 7 Nov, 3MT, Afflecks Arcade, 35-39 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JG. 7.30pm – 10.30pm, www.facebook.com

Election Morning at People’s History Museum
This year marks the most hotly-disputed US election in living memory, and it’s all coming to a head this week. By Wednesday morning, we will all know the results and if you’re looking for a breakfast date to celebrate/consolidate your worries, then you could do much worse than The People’s History Museum on Left Bank. They’re offering America-style breakfasts from £4.25, but if you’re looking for the free stuff, they’ve also got an exhibition of work by American political artist and campaigner Peter Piech. The exhibition runs until February 2017, but the breakfast only lasts ‘til 11am. See our full preview for more details.
Wed 9 Nov, People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER. Tel: 0161 838 9190, 7am – 5pm, www.phm.org.uk

Making Waves at Trof
Trof’s regular free music night Making Waves makes a welcome return this week. Headlining this chapter is singer-songwriter Izzie Walsh, who’ll be bringing along a backing band for this intimate performance. The support slots are being filled by folky storyteller Toria Wooff, and highbrow popster Rick Brewin. It’s Making Waves’ last show of 2016, so make sure you get in there!
Wed 9 Nov, Trof, 8 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1EU. 8pm – 11pm, www.facebook.com

Christmas Markets Opening Day
It’s that time of year again! Manchester’s famed Christmas markets are opening up once more, bringing in a raft of handcrafted gifts and sweet treats. If you’ve never been down, it’s definitely worth checking out this year. See our full preview for more details about what’s on offer.
Thu 10 Nov – Tue 20 Dec, Albert Square, Brazennose Street, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, The Corn Exchange, King Street, Market Street, Exchange Square, Cathedral Gardens, Tel: 0161 234 5000, 10am – 8pm (Bars until 9pm), www.manchester.gov.uk

Generic Greeting Collective 6th Birthday at Soup Kitchen
Art collective the Generic Greeting Collective reach their 6th birthday this week, and they’re celebrating with a big art party at Soup Kitchen. The collective was set up to facilitate all kinds of collaborative creative projects, and over the past half-decade they’ve done everything from music gigs to installations and worked with clients such as MTV and Channel 4. For this party they’ve got a roster of handpicked DJs, as well as goodie bags and free beer for earlycomers.
Thu 10 Nov, Soup Kitchen, 31-33 Spear Street, Manchester, M1 1DF. 8pm -1am, www.facebook.com