Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. 1960s-themed parties, sustainability festivals & more

Coming to the North West’s first-ever poetry library is the exhibition, Love Thy Neighbour, which marks the fifth edition of Asia Triennial Manchester.

A moving and compelling array of over 200 postcards sent by over 100 artists from 20 different countries, will showcase the rich histories of Asia and the globe, portrayed through modern and contemporary interpretations including prints, photography, fine art, embroidery and poetry.

Interspersed with the art are selections from Manchester Poetry Library’s diverse collection, including poetry about love, friendship, family, and community, bringing the art forms together in a unique collaboration. Celebrating community, culture and creativity—this is a great opportunity to get yourself down to the Manchester Poetry Library and experience the space first-hand.

Feeling bookish? Here’s another library-based event happening down in the heart of Manchester in the legendary Portico Library.

Have a little meander and browse through some second-hand bargains and rare collectables at the library. Whether you just have a peruse or make a small donation—take the chance to surround yourself with the rich art, history and culture that this gem has to offer.

All proceeds go towards the Portico Library’s charitable public activities and conservation. Get your Christmas shopping done, stock up your bookshelves, and gather your reading materials for the holidays and the new year, all while supporting a good cause and saving yourself some wonga!

Brought to you by Common Good, this mini-festival seeks to bring people together to explore how the design and development of places in the north can help to address the climate emergency.

With a programme including a bite-size knowledge share with short and punchy presentations on design, development and sustainability in the north, an opportunity to listen to some key inspirational speakers working in the field and a chance to settle down for a thought-provoking cinema experience—this is a great way to demonstrate your eco-activism in a creative and social way. Whether you pop in for an hour or stay for the whole evening; listen, learn and stuck in to the discussion.

Ran in partnership with Manchester University as part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science, head down to Chorlton for an interactive workshop helping you connect with yourself and others through the power of objects.

Objects remind us of other people, our own pasts and what it was like to live in a particular time. This event with the Stories of our Lives group will explore how things we had when we were younger can help us to remember and feel connected to other people. Rummage around, bring along an object, or come and see what everyone has with them for a wholesome afternoon of nostalgia, memory and connection.

Proudly part of the Manchester Animation Festival 2021, this free screening of the BBC Family Boxset is a great way to end the week.

The hybrid festival is all about celebrating the world of animation. So, if your little one is an animation fanatic or you just fancy watching some children’s telly not on your sofa this Sunday, check out the UK’s biggest animation festival for a little change. Presenting a “blam-tastic” boxset of family favourites from CBeebies and CBBC, featuring Hey Duggee, JoJo & Gran Gran, Love Monster, Kiri and Lou, Dennis & Gnasher Unleashed, Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese and many more—HOME is catering for all tastes.

Feeling nostalgic for an era you never even lived in? We’ve got you covered. Head to YES this Saturday for a night that will make all your retro fantasies come true. With DJs spinning some vintage bangers from Fleetwood Mac, Otis Redding, The Supremes, The Velvet Underground and many more—you’ll be transported back to the swinging sixties in absolutely no time.