Free things to do this weekend ft Stockport Book and Record Fair + Common is 10

That’s it for bank holidays for now, as we revert back to your run-of-the-mill weekend setup. But we’ve got some guaranteed corkers to make sure this weekend’s standard format doesn’t make for boring times. Who liked that extra day, anyway?

First Chop Social: May Street Food Special
Like many of us, the folk of First Chop Brewing Arm are excited about the summer, and to celebrate such optimism they’re hosting a day of DJs, live music, guest brewers and a particular focus on some of the best street food vendors in the area. In their summery secret garden under the arches in Salford, you’ll find nourishment in Fire and Salt’s award-winning BBQ flavours and veggie options from The Moocher, as well as a fine range of beers to wash it all down with. All-dayer parties here – such as the recent Sounds from the Other City shindig – have garnered a bit of a rep, so head down early and soak up the good times.
Sat 31 May, First Chop Brewing Arm, Unit 3 Trinity Row, Trinity Way, Salford, M3 5EN, 2pm – late, FREE, www.facebook.com

Stockport Book and Record Fair
Stockport’s Indoor Market Hall plays host to a bumper book and records fair this Sunday, with up to 50 stalls full of treats for the eyes and ears. With thousands of books, magazine and records from a wide range of dealers, the fair holds the potential for you to get your hands on some real rarities and ephemera from the literary and music worlds. If you’re after something more central, you can catch similar vibes at the Record, Book and Collectables Fair at Victoria Baths on the same day, and although this one’s not strictly free, the £2.50 entrance fee will also give you access to the stunning Grade II Victorian building.
Sun 1 Jun, Stockport Market Hall, Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1EW, 10am – 4pm, FREE, www.facebook.com

Common’s 10th birthday celebrations with Mushrumps (pictured)
The original Northern Quarter boozer is celebrating 10 years since its inception, and to mark the occasion they’re bringing in pioneers of the party-prog scene, Midnight Mushrumps Crew – who incidentally are also commemorating a decade in the biz. Expect a bizarre mix of aptly put ‘woodland disco, cosmic gloop, spirit of ’76 duderock, fantasy-folk, space country, holographic whimsy and party-prog classixx’, all materialising as one giant super-sesh that will be anything but tame.
Sun 1 Jun, Common, 39-41 Edge Street, M4 1HW, ‘Early doors’ – 12am, FREE, www.facebook.com

Know of any upcoming free weekend events worth shouting about? Email jess at manchesterwire dot co dot uk with the deets.