Free things to do this week ft. Lightwaves, Carolling + more

Lightwaves at Salford Quays
Lightwaves – Salford’s massive annual outdoor light festival – returned this weekend, and you’ve got until next Sunday to check it out. Featuring several large installations, this year boasts some brand new projects including Heart Beat from the minds behind Blackpool Illuminations, alongside old favourites such as Fire Flies. See our full preview for more detail.
Fri 9 Dec – Sun 18 Dec, Salford Quays/Media CityUK, www.quaysculture.com

Manchester Camerata at Common
Local chamber orchestra Manchester Camerata are performing one of their rare, fabled free gigs at Common this week. Stripped down to a brass quartet, they will be playing a medley of seasonal favourites including instrumental pieces and stuff you can sing along to. Check out our full preview for more information.
Tue 13 Dec, Common, 39-41 Edge Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1HW, Tel: 0161 832 9245, 8pm, www.facebook.com

She Choir at The Pilcrow Pub
Yet more carols on Thursday, this time delivered by the ample talents of Manchester’s She Choir: A self-arranging all-female choral collective who operate on the mantra ‘If you can sing in the shower, you can sing in a choir’. They’re taking over the handmade Pilcrow Pub on Sadler’s Yard and spreading some Christmas cheer. The bar staff will also be on hand serving a range of mulled beverages.
Tue 13 Dec, The Pilcrow Pub, Sadlers Yard, Hanover Street, Manchester, M60 0AB. 7pm – 8pm, www.facebook.com

Carolling at Sip Club
More Christmas tunes this Wednesday, a little further out of town at Stretford’s Sip Club. This is a more traditional group carolling event, where you’re actively encouraged to join in. It’s split into two sessions: One for family’s and another that’s just for the grown ups. It’s a great opportunity to get festive and a great opportunity to explore one of the city’s cosiest corners.
Wed 14 Dec, Stretford Sip Club, 164A Barton Road, Stretford, M32 8DP. 6pm – 9pm, www.facebook.com

F*ck Christmas at The Railway (pictured)
Some counterbalance to all this cheer comes from Didsbury’s Railway Inn, who are staging a F*ck Christmas/F*ck 2016 party. In a year that’s been mired with earth-shaking political decisions and celebrity deaths, local musicians Acid Haystack are turning their regular slot at the pub into a scathing obituary for the year. The night boasts performances from local music faves satirical songwriter Chris Tavener, Punk-hop outfit Blame Parker and many more. Head down and give two fingers to this terrible year.
Thu 15 Dec, The Railway, 3 Lapwing Lane, Didsbury, M20 2NT. 7pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com