Free things to do this weekend, ft. Red Bull City Trial, Royal Exchange + Stockport Book and Record Fair

This weekend we combine the fast pace and adrenaline of life on two wheels with some casual nosying around behind the scenes at some of Manchester most cherished cultural centres.

Red Bull City Trial (pictured)
Eight of the World’s best trial riders come together this Saturday to race head to head over a specially built course of giant obstacles lining the streets of inner city Manchester for the third year running. Famous names include current World Champion Toni Bou from Spain, along with twelve-time World Champion and Brit Dougie Lampkin, who will compete in four individual rounds of high-octane challenges in what has become one of the most technical urban trials.
Sat 4 Oct, Deansgate (Outside House of Fraser), Manchester, M3 2QG, 12 – 3.30pm, FREE, www.redbull.com

Royal Exchange Open Day
As part of the national Fun Palaces weekend taking place at the beginning of October, the Royal Exchange is throwing open its doors to offer visitors a chance to go behind the scenes of a working theatre. With family friendly activities, workshops for all ages, free entertainment in the Great Hall and dressing up in the theatre’s costumes, the day will also feature backstage tours to let you in on the secrets of the sound, lighting and wardrobe departments. You can also check out People’s History Museum and Salford Arts Theatre as part of the initiative.
Sun 5 Oct, Royal Exchange Theatre, St Anns Square, Manchester, M2 7DH, 11am – 5pm, FREE, www.royalexchange.co.uk

Stockport Book and Record Fair
Fairs and markets are one of the most weekend-friendly activities to be getting on with, and this Sunday’s Book and Record Fair at Stockport’s Market Hall looks worth a good meander around. With up to 50 stalls selling books, records and ephemera, there’s also an an on-site cafe for refreshments. You’ll find free parking in the car park behind St Mary’s Church, along with a free bus service from Stockport rail and bus stations, making this one a freebie on all levels – unless you find something that catches your eye, of course.
Sun 5 Oct, Stockport Market Hall, Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1EW, 10am – 4pm, FREE, www.facebook.com