Free things to do this weekend ft. Saddleworth Creative Network, Ancoats Canal Festival + Lowry Outlet

This week we’ve got some old-school family-friendly things to do, and whether family to you means keeping those ruddy children entertained while school’s out or simply one man and his dog after a change of scenery, there’s – brace yourself for a slice of patronism – something for everyone.

Ancoats Canal Festival (pictured)
The annual festival returns to Manchester weekend, providing us with the perfect opportunity to get out of the house and soak up the city’s unique canal culture. The event will cater to all ages, featuring lots of entertainment such as circus activities and face painting. However, the biggest draw is the canoeing – how many other cities let you jump off a bus and into a canoe? For free? Unfortunately there’s no BBQ this year, but there will be plenty of snacks and drinks to tide people over – plus ice cream to prove that it’s still summer despite what the recent murky skies suggest.
Sun 10 Aug, New Islington Marina and Cotton Field Park, M4, 12 – 4pm, FREE, www.ancoatscanal.wordpress.com

Lowry Outlet Waterside Market
This weekend sees a double-day spread of waterside market action at the Lowry Outlet Centre. Blending artisan arts and crafts, jewellery, homeware, plants and more with locally sourced food and drink, the market covers all the bases for an afternoon of leisurely summer browsing. Across the two days you’ll find traders including Bobby’s Bangers, Manchester Coffee Co., Winter Tarn Cheese, Chula’s Cupcakes and more.
Sat 9 – Sun 10 Aug, Lowry Outlet Centre, Sat 10am – 6pm; Sun 11am – 5pm, FREE entry, www.lowryoutlet.co.uk

Saddleworth Creative Network’s Vintage Craft Fair
Perfectly timed to coincide with the recent events marking the centenary of WW2, the Saddleworth Creative Network brings you its first vintage-inspired gift and craft fair. Expect retro and vintage inspired jewellery, clothing, gifts, furniture, food and more, with many stall holders getting dolled up in 1940s gear to complete the look. The day looks set to recreate the community spirit and atmosphere of wartime Britain, so get up off the sofa and enter the time warp.
Sun 10 Aug, Uppermill Civic Hall, Lee Street, Uppermill, Oldham, OL3 6AE, 11am – 4pm FREE entry, www.creativenetwork-saddleworth.co.uk