Free things to do in Manchester this week FT Band on the Wall, YES and more

If you’re after a slice of culture this week, check out award-winning British poet, critic, novelist and Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Birmingham, Luke Kennard, as he takes to the stage at the Manchester Poetry Library this Thursday.

Perfect if you’re after a break from the post-work pub routine and fancy something a little different, Luke will be reading from a selection of his poetry, followed by a conversation on poetry and writing with Nikolai Duffy.

Get yourself down to MediaCity this Friday afternoon to celebrate International Yoga Day with a short and sweet yoga session that is perfect for all levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, this is a great little opportunity to stretch out, take some deep breaths and find your inner zen in the fresh outdoor air.

Be sure to bring your own mat and, of course, positive vibes.

If you’re after a cheap night out on Friday look no further than YES for a full-evening affair that’ll keep you bopping until the early hours with all the best Garage, Bass, Techno and House filling the Pink Room.

Swing by Northern Quarter’s Band on the Wall this Saturday for a banging night grooving out to the finest in funk, soul, disco, house and more.

Attendees can look forward to soul-heavy beats, infectious rhythm, and free-flowing dancefloor magic as resident Band on the Wall DJs spin a whole mix of sounds and styles, seamlessly blending between past and future.

Stockport’s newly-opened Ōdiobā will be putting on a special night hosted by Manchester DJ, Shi Karin.

Collecting and mixing vinyl since the 90s, Shi Karin has promoted and DJ’d at a whole bunch of iconic venues around the UK and, this Saturday, he’ll be bringing all the best Hip-Pop and Soul, broken beat, rare groove, disco and low tempo house to the cobbled Underbanks.