Free things to do this week ft. Sidekick Comedy, Stick or Twist + more

Final Sidekick Comedy at On Bar
Long-running Canal Street comedy night Sidekick goes on indefinite hiatus this month, but fortunately they’ve pulled together a stellar lineup for their swansong gig. Comedian, performance poet and amputee Jackie Hagan – perhaps best known for dressing her leg-stump up as various celebrities – headlines the night, supported by character comic Tom Burgess, and newer acts Ian Lane and Jean Kely. Compere Kate McCabe will be holding the night together, as always. Although this night is technically only free if you’re carrying a student ID, the door charge only comes to a measly £2: A paltry sum given the quality of this last lineup.
Mon 30 Jan, On Bar Manchester, 46 Canal Street, Manchester, M1 3WD. 7.30pm – 10pm, www.facebook.com

Manchester Wellbeing and Vegan Centre Opening at Affleck’s Palace
The new Wellbeing and Vegan Centre opens this Wednesday, operating out of 3MT – Affleck’s quirky ground floor theatre space. They’ll be offering up vegan snacks from 11am to 3pm, as well as running a selection of workshops you can sign up for. To find out more, why not drop by on the day or take a look at our full preview.
Wed 1 Jan, 3MT, Affleck’s Palace, 35-39 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JG. 11am – 3pm, www.facebook.com

Stick or Twist Preview at Castlefield Gallery (pictured)
This is the latest exhibition in Castlefield Gallery’s Launch Pad series, which are all short-running exhibitions that provide a palate cleanser in between the gallery’s longer residencies. Entitled ‘Stick or Twist’, it’s curated by local artist Kieran Leach and the title comes from his process of choosing artworks by giving the artists an opportunity to stick with the work he picks, or twist and select something different. As you might expect, this process as thrown up a unique collection of works, ranging from bronze castings to 360° VR installations. If you can’t catch this first preview, the exhibition runs until Sunday 12 February.
Thu 2 Feb, Castlefield Gallery, 2 Hewitt Street, Manchester, M15 4GB. 6pm – 8pm, Tel: 0161 832 8034, www.facebook.com

MINT Short Film Premiere at HOME
MINT is a new short film from photographer and filmmaker Adam Ali, which looks at the issues facing young Mancunians, from bullying to domestic abuse, and is beautifully scored by Manchester Camerata. The film was pitched by Ali to the Camerata – an adventurous orchestra known for taking classical music into unusual settings – and fleshed out with help from Francis Walsh and 3MT creative mentor Joy France. This screening is also accompanied by a live performance from two of the orchestra’s brightest musicians in HOME’s events space.
Thu 2 Feb, HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, First Street, Manchester, M15 4FN. 6.30pm – 8pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk