This is a big week for fans of free stuff, because we’ve got a bumper edition of cost-free events to stimulate your cortex and drown your liver.

House in a Lab at Literary and Philosophical Society
For the past four years, a house has been sitting inside a lab in Salford. Why? Well that’s what this lecture aims to cast some light on. Dr. Will Swan talks about how this unique project came about, what purpose it serves and some of the difficulties you might experience should you wish to build an actual abode within a lab environment.
Mon 18 May, Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, Loxford Tower, Lower Chatham Street, M1 5QL, 7pm – 8pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

Cycling Superheroes at Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative
The Rusholme wing of the sprawling cycling co-op holds the first in a series of regular talks from local cycling heroes. This inaugural talk comes from the mouth of pedal pusher Steve Bate, the first blind cyclist to solo navigate the mighty El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. This is bound to be inspiring stuff – and there’s free beer and wine on the night to sweeten the deal
Tue 19 May, 7 Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, M14 5FT, www.edinburghbicycle.com

MAN Exhibition at Goodstock
Art history is littered with examples of forlorn male artists turning to women for inspiration and comfort, but what if this convention was turned on its head? This is the subject of this gender-swapping exhibition at the Goodstock vintage store on Oxford Road. Showcasing the work of three female artists and two dudes, it’s a great opportunity to grab an eyeful of man meat in the name of high culture. This is for one night only, so get in quick before it vanishes and we all have to return to boring pictures of women drawn by guys yaaaaaaawwwnnn. Check out our full preview here.
Wed 20 May, Goodstock, 6a Oxford Road, M15QA, 6pm – 9pm, www.facebook.com

Re/Place at Proof (pictured)
Chorlton Arts Festival rattles on this week, with a wide selection of both free and paid-for events and one of the most exciting events on their gratis calendar is Re/Place. This is a spoken word event featuring several reputable – even award-winning – authors, all of weaving tales themed around Chorlton as an area.
Wed 20 May, Proof, Manchester Road, Chorlton, M21 9PH, 7.30pm, replacemcr.wordpress.com

Gorilla Accounting Launch
A new accounting firm is rolling into town. Although that might not sound particularly scintillating, it’s probably great news if you’re in need of an accountant, or if you’re a fan of free champagne and canapés. They’ve got speakers: Futurologist and brilliant-name owner Tom Cheesewright, and broadcaster Penny Haslam. You can reserve tickets on their site, but no chancers allowed. Or maybe they want chancers, I don’t know. It’s an accountancy firm launch.
Thu 21 May, Barclays Escalator, 231 Deansgate, M3 4EN, 6.30pm, www.gorillaaccounting.com

Mon 18 May - Thu 21 May
Words:
Jon Whiteley
Published on:
Mon 18 May 2015