We’re once again getting used to not being able to get out and about, and local businesses and venues are making those long dark nights a lot easier with their fantastic selection of events taking place entirely online. There’s something for everyone happening this week — we’ve rounded up the best free things to do at home including an online Christmas Market hosted by Etsy Manchester, and this year’s Football Writing Festival (taking place behind closed doors, of course).

Football Writing Festival 2020 | Mon 23 Nov - Fri 27 Nov | 7pm

Hosted by the National Football Museum, this year’s Football Writing Festival will be taking place entirely behind closed doors — but there are loads of great events taking place all week that you can tune in to. Highlights include insights from football finance expert Kieran Maguire on Tuesday 24 November at 7pm, and a conversation with Eve Ainsworth, author of Kicking Off, on Thursday 26, also at 7pm.

Race, Roots and Resistance: The Black 14 | Mon 23 Nov | 6pm

The University of Manchester present this brilliant online event with original members of ‘The Black 14’, a group of Black football players from the University of Wyoming who took a principled stand against racial injustice at great personal cost. There’ll be a panel discussion with some University faculty members and former Black 14 Wyoming Cowboys, followed by a Q&A.

Manchester Book Fair | Wed 25 Nov | 9am - 8pm

Local publishers have really suffered during the pandemic, and have had to adapt to keep up with the constantly changing landscape, rules and restrictions. This all-day online book fair gives you a chance to support Manchester publishers, with great sales and discounts on books, exclusive Q&As, and videos of author readings. It’s also a great opportunity to find the perfect book for any literary types on your Christmas shopping list, so make sure to check it out…

Queer Family Tea Online Cabaret | Thu 26 Nov | 6.45pm - 9pm

Usually, Queer Family Tea meet up once a week at Partisan to help create, maintain and share a sense of queer community spirit in Manchester. As face-to-face meetings can’t happen at the moment, they’re holding a glamorous online cabaret, with an amazing line-up of local queer performers, finishing up with a wrap party. The event is also fundraising for Trans Mutual Aid Manchester, so while it’s free to tune in you can donate to support a great cause.

Online Christmas Market | Etsy Manchester | Sat 28 Nov | 12pm - 7pm

Etsy Manchester want to take a little of the stress out of Christmas shopping this year by bringing Manchester’s talented makers right into your home. Local artisans will present their handcrafted gifts alongside demonstrations, activities and exclusive offers, making this a great chance to have a browse and maybe pick up a couple of unique buys for people on your list.

Mon 23 Nov - Sun 29 Nov
Words:
Amy Callaghan
Published on:
Mon 23 Nov 2020