Free things to do this weekend ft. Craft Fairs + Comedy

Peace and Craft Fair at Birch Community Centre
This little craft fair is taking place at the frequently overlooked Birch Community Centre – tucked away on Brighton Grove between Platt Fields and Birchfields Parks. It’s organised by Manchester Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament – hence ‘Peace’ – so it features both campaigning information on ongoing conflicts as well as a host of stalls featuring work from local and international craftspeople. The sort of things you can expect to pick up: Palestinian ceramics, silverware, Nepalese bags and aloe vera products alongside the standard community centre fair fare of jam and cakes. An excellent way to browse local crafts, pick up something unique for Christmas and support an excellent cause.
Sat 21 Nov, Birch Community Centre, Brighton Grove, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 5JT. 11am – 4pm, www.facebook.com

Christmas Craft Fair at MCDC
Another seasonal craft fair – this time in the centre of town, at the Manchester Craft & Design Centre. Entitled ‘Christmas MADE Perfect’, this fair focuses in on the local and the handmade. This event is the launch of the centre’s Christmas season and, as well as offering lots of cottage industry treats, they’ve also got live music, food and craft workshops. It coincides with the launch of new exhibition Exploring Wonderland, which contains a variety of craft works inspired by the works of Lewis Carroll. If you can’t get along on the day then worry not, because many of the treats on offer will be available throughout the Christmas season.
Sat 21 Nov, Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, Manchester, M4 5JD. Tel: 0161 832 4274, 2pm – 5pm, www.craftanddesign.com

Comedy at Fuel Café Bar
The Wilmslow Road veggie joint presents another instalment of its monthly comedy night Quip, tucked away in the upstairs gig room. It’s hosted by Jack Evans, presenting the best in local comedy with an alternative bent. This night features turns from up-and-coming acts Jayne Edwards, Mike Milling and Alaistair Clark. Headlining the night is Will Duggan (pictured), who made a bit of a splash at the Edinburgh Fringe back in 2014 as part of the panel prize winning show Funz and Gamez. Go get your laugh on before the working week starts up again.
Sun 22 Nov, Fuel Café Bar, 448 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 3BW. Tel: 0161 448 9702, 7.30pm – 11.00pm, www.facebook.com