Free things to do this weekend ft. cartoons, apple peeling & film

Well autumn’s setting in nicely, bringing with it the depressingly darker nights and colder, bleaker weather. What’s worse is that it’s pretty much a downward spiral in both from here, but rather than moping it’s best to stay busy. How about you get some fire back into your belly with these free activities and events this weekend?

The Art of Cartoon at the Richard Goodall Gallery (pictured)
Are cartoons art? Some people don’t seem to think so, and as a light-hearted but nonetheless determined protest, four of the UK’s top cartoonists are exhibiting works at The Richard Goodall Gallery. The pieces from Bill Stott, Bill Tidy, Tony Husband and Chris Madden aim to gently poke fun at the traditional art world, and what better way to spend some of your weekend than with some humour, talent and a chance to catch up with some of the artists themselves at the launch event this Saturday (6pm) to discuss?
Sat 12 Oct – Sat 9 Nov, The Richard Goodall Gallery, 59 Thomas St, Greater Manchester, M4 1NA, Tel: 0161 832 3435, FREE entry, www.richardgoodallgallery.com

Waste Not Want Not’s Harvest Event at Hyde Park
Autumn may seem a bit doom-and-gloom, but it’s also the season when stomachs everywhere scream with delight as seasonal produce gets impressive and hearty, and gravy’s back on the menu full-time. Operation Farm’s Waste Not Want Not project are hosting their own Harvest Event, helping people everywhere embrace the culinary joys of this time of year with fruit pressing, crafts, storytelling and poetry, apple tasting, cooking demos, composting workshops and some good, old-fashioned family fun with apple bobbing and competition for the longest peel. There’s also a new apple press – perhaps signalling that it’s time to retire those sweet, summery ciders full of berries and other pink stuff: back to tradition.
Sun 13 Oct, Hyde Park, Lodge Lane, Hyde, SK14, 12pm – 3pm, FREE, www.operationfarm.wordpress.com

Harpurhey and North Manchester Handmade Film Festival
Showcasing a range of short films made by and about the people of North Manchester – both past and present – the Harpurhey and North Manchester Handmade Film Festival reflects the area’s industrial past, as well as exploring its thriving creative present. The festival is suitable for all ages, hoping to inspire all to embrace filmmaking and storytelling through the avenues of digital media and film. The films will be screened at various venues in North Manchester, and aim to also engage the audiences with discussion.
Thu 10 – Sun 13 Oct, Various venues across North Manchester, FREE entry, www.handmadefilmfest.org.uk

It also seems inappropriate to mention free events this weekend without a nod towards the Manchester Weekender, and luckily for you we’ve picked out some of the best bits.