If you’re struggling to keep yourself entertained during lockdown, never fear – our round-up of the best free things to do at home this week is here to help, featuring National Theatre’s free streaming service and guided lunchtime meditation sessions to help keep you calm and focused.
Maybe the days seem longer to you during the lockdown and it’s a little harder to keep a handle on stress and anxiety. Fortunately, Manchester Buddhist Centre are offering free guided meditation sessions taking place every weekday at 1pm via Zoom. Ideal for beginners, the sessions offer a chance to clear your head and connect with others.
Run Wild, a free weekly running group, are hosting a virtual pub quiz this week for anyone to take part in. Tune in via Facebook or Zoom, take part on your own or in a team, and compete for the chance to win a £10 Amazon voucher.
With weekly game nights postponed until further notice, Dungeons and Flagons are hosting an online games night instead. Organised via their Facebook event, people can post any game that can involve people online – RPGs, video games, Skype games – and if you want to take part, you just comment on their post. It’s a great way to meet new people, or play online with friends.
In the true Bongo’s Bingo spirit of bringing people together, the legendary night out are hosting virtual events twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8pm. They’ll take the form of classic Bongo’s Bingo, with pub quizzing and a whole mix of other things thrown in. There’s sure to be a big focus on audience engagement to make it a truly participatory experience – at the very least, it’s sure to be a laugh.
With the lockdown effectively putting a pause on live theatre, the National Theatre will be releasing a new play every Thursday night, available to stream for free for a week. Coming up this Thursday is One Man, Two Guvnors, starring James Corden, which enjoyed a hugely successful run in 2011.
Popular Manchester illustrator and mural maker Hammo aims to brighten up your social isolation with some colouring in. The artist whose work can be spotted at various locations around town – including Alphabet Brewery and multiple spots in the Northern Quarter – has released a collection of colouring in sheets that can be dowloaded for free via Dropbox. All you need to do is print them off, grab your felt tips and jump in.
- Words:
- Amy Callaghan
- Published on:
- Mon 30 Mar 2020
Always fancied learning a classic ballroom dance but found the idea of attending a class a little intimidating? Dancebasics are offering the chance to learn the American Smooth Waltz from the comfort of your own home, with live classes taking place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. There will be repeats of the livestreams on Tuesdays and Thursdays if you miss a class – head to their Facebook event to find out more.