The sun’s had his hat on recently, so make the most of it with all the outdoor entertainment, summery music and all-round good vibes that you can lap up for free this weekend.

Levenshulme Night Market
Come worship at the altar of the Levy Market this weekend with a super special night-time sesh to help launch the Levenshulme Food and Drink Festival. In place of the weekly Saturday slot, this Friday the traders are setting up shop for the evening with plenty of food, ales, cocktails and more – including the infamous Manchester Eggs from chef Robert Owen Brown. There’s also entertainment aplenty, with live music from singer-songwriter Rachel Hillary, soloist Lee Parry and rising star Liam McClair. And as if that ain’t enough, there’s free LoveLeveshulme canvas shopping bags with any purchase – while stocks last though, so get down early.
Fri 20 Jun, shopper’s car park (next to Levenshulme station), M19 3PJ, 3 – 8pm, FREE, www.levymarket.com

Music Day a.k.a Fête de la Musique
First launched in France back in 1982, Fête de la Musique (Music Day) celebrates diversity and free access to music with events open to the public at no cost. It is now celebrated in over 100 countries, and this Saturday sees the Alliance Française de Manchester team up with Bay Horse and Kraak to present live acts from both sides of the pond. Over at Bay Horse you’ll find UK folk from Manchester-based Songs for Walter and 17-year-old Emily Rose Hall, before the action moves over to Kraak with French indie surf-pop from Agua Roja (pictured) and punk rock from the French/UK collab Naked (on drugs).
Sat 21 Jun, Bay Horse, 35-37 Thomas Street, M4 1NA, 6pm – 8pm and Kraak, 11 Stevenson Square, M1 1DB, 8.30pm – 10.30pm, FREE, www.musicday.org.uk

Manchester Mega Mela
Keep your fingers and toes all crossed for sunshine this Sunday, as this one’s set to get you smothered in summery warmth and happiness with the sights, sounds and spicy aromas of South Asia. Set across two days, the Manchester Mega Mala features music, dance, food, and traditional arts and crafts all culminating in the largest celebration of South Asian arts and culture in the north of England. With the input of some of the biggest local names we know and love, including Contact, Manchester Libraries, Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Art Gallery and Manchester Museum, you can expect grand things for what promises to be a colourful and fun weekend.
Sat 21 – Sun 22 Jun, Platt Fields Park, off Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield, M14 6LA, FREE, www.manchestermela.co.uk

Fri 20 Jun - Sun 22 Jun
Words:
Jess Hardiman
Published on:
Fri 20 Jun 2014