Free things to do this weekend ft. Chorlton Arts Festival and Pass-on-a-Poem

There’s lots on this weekend across Manchester – which is good, given that we’ve got ANOTHER bank holiday creeping its way into our lives. No doubt next week’s bloated weekend will be sucking up the funds, so gear up the right way with these freebies.

Chorlton Arts Festival
This kicks off on Friday, taking over Manchester’s loved suburb with music, art, theatre and more. And, what’s even better is that its opening weekend also features a fair few freebies, including street theatre show ‘Matthew’s Barking up the Wrong Tree… Again’, with various performances throughout Saturday and Sunday, an arts and crafts fair at St Clements Church on Saturday, the Chapel en le Frith Male Voice Choir on Sunday and many more. Plus, there will be lots of art exhibitions camping out in Chorlton’s various bars and cafes throughout the festival worth checking out. Browse what’s on here, or read our full preview.
Fri 15 – Sun 24 May, Various venues across Chorlton, www.chorltonartsfestival.com

Pass-on-a-Poem at The Portico
Saturday mornings don’t get more pleasant than poetry at The Portico. Luckily, then, Pass-on-a-Poem returns this weekend for people to either read a favourite published poem our loud or after a chilled time just listening inthe cosy Cobden Corner of the library. Whether you’re up for reciting stuff or simply want to soak it all up, just hit up ‘Reciting’ or ‘Listening’ when signing up for your free ticket via Eventbrite.
Sat 16 May, The Portico, 57 Mosley Street, M2 3HY, 11am – 1pm, FREE (donations welcome), www.eventbrite.co.uk

Printworks Unsigned
This Saturday marks the grand final of Printworks Unsigned, Manchester’s biggest annual competition for local singers and live bands. The competition culminates with a performance from eight talented acts, who return to battle it out for the £400 prize and an exclusive EP recording session. With judges Archie Kelly (Kenny ‘Dalglish’ Senior from Phoenix Nights), Dan Clifford (Manchester Rocks), Jack Barton (Hard Rock Cafe Manchester) and Phil Ireland (bass guitarist, Breaking Waves) at the helm, the music spans everything from acoustic songwriters, rock bands and acapella to r ‘n’ b singers and alternative reggae to make it an eclectic afternoon of great unsigned musicians. 25% of the score comes from the public, so get your vote on here.
Sat 16 May, The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, M4 2BS, 1 – 4pm, FREE, www.theprintworks.com

The Secret Folk Club at Band on the Wall
Showcasing some of Greater Manchester’s finest folk and acoustic acts, The Secret Folk Club this week welcomes headliners Oh Man The Mountain, who top the bill with their alt-folk that draws on everything from roots folk, southern gothic American and delta blues to the disassociation of living in a modern British city. Joining them is solo artist The Bear Around Your Neck (pictured), who recently performed at Salford’s Sounds From the Other City, plus Honeyfeet guitarist and folk bluesman Rik Warren.
Sun 17 May, Band on the Wall, 5 Swan Street, M4 5JZ, Starts 6pm, FREE, www.bandonthewall.org

Know of any good freebies coming up? Email jess at manchesterwire dot co dot uk with the deets.