Christmas Day has come and gone and we may all be feeling a little lost in that awkward period that resides between Christmas and New Year’s.

But, not to worry, as there are still heaps of cracking free events to get involved in this week that’ll stretch out the festive feeling for as long as possible. Featuring free cocktails, live music, magic shows and more check out our guide on five free things to do in Manchester this week.

Here’s the rundown…

The Whittles Christmas Jam Special | Whittles @ Tokyo Project | Mon 27 Dec | From 2pm

Head to Oldham for The Whittles legendary Jam Christmas Special. For a jam-packed afternoon of live performances from some of the finest talent in the North West, this is the perfect way to nip any post-Christmas blues in the bud.

All musicians and singers welcome, join Lee Buckle, Marshall Gill and many others in celebrating music and community the right way.

57 Roscoe Street, Oldham, Manchester OL1 1EA, Tel: 0161 621 0683
Decoded presents NYD | Gorilla | Sat 1 Jan | 10pm - 4am

Hitting Gorilla with a bang is Decoded’s cracking free New Year’s Day party. Featuring the likes of Lucas Martin, Nathan Temple, Vales, Iysha and Lovat—this event is definitely the spot to start the new year in style.

Blasting some of the very best house and techno all through the night and early hours of the morning, this is not one to be missed. Free entry is only valid with a ticket up until 10:30pm so be sure to get there early!

54-56 Whitworth Street West, Manchester M1 5WW, Tel: 0161 826 2998
Cheeky Tiki Thursdays | Lola Lo | Thurs 30 Dec | 10pm - 3am

For an entire evening of hip-hop, pop and R&B, make your way over to the Deansgate arches for Lola Lo’s Cheeky Tiki Thursday. Expect two rooms of music playing old school anthems and the biggest and best bangers all night long.

With giveaways, cheap drinks throughout, confetti cannons, a midnight countdown show plus a free cocktail upon entry—this is bound to get you in the mood for celebration.

Arches 9-10 Deansgate Locks, Whitworth Street West, Manchester M1 5LH, Tel: 0161 835 1771
Toxic Manchester | The Factory | Wed 29 Dec | 11pm - 4am

With free entry and £1 drinks, this event is bound to save you some dosh following an expensive Christmas period. Blasting tunes in three rooms, expect hip hop and R&B in Room 1, classic indie and pop in Room 2 and some deep house and mash-ups in Room 3.

Be sure to get there before 10:30pm for your free ticket and enjoy a night of cheap alcopops, jaeger bombs and all your favourite hits under one pumping roof.

112_118 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7EN, Tel: 0161 637 2570
Twinkle and the Mechanical Light Machine | Oldham Library | Wed 29 Dec | 2.30pm - 4pm

Taking place in Oldham Library and suitable for ages four and above, bring your little ones to this inspiring magical and festive show championing the virtues of hope, positivity and light within every child.

Accompanied by some beautiful music and incredible characters, including Twinkle, the story is sure to warm your heart and throw you straight back into the festive spirit again.

Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL, Tel: 0161 770 8000
Mon 27 Dec - Sun 2 Jan
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 27 Dec 2021