Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. Global Climbing Day, Salsa classes & more

From the shore to the streets, Liquid Beach is a project born from a shared love of all things that groove. Showcasing carefully blended jazz, soul, and house through the vibrant and diverse scene of the northern city of Manchester, Liquid Beach seamlessly blends the lines between live instrumentation and electronic production. Arthur Shillin, Brighton legend with Manchester roots,  normally plays at least two shows a night! Clearly, he’s hard to pin down. He promises to bring us the very best in Breaks and effortlessly demonstrates why it is such a loved genre. Illgorhythms, a Digitise favourite, smash it every time with their funky upbeat sound. Expect Ghetto funk through to Bass House and a few of their own new productions along the way!

Suitable for beginners and with a fun-first approach in mind, the Floridita Dance team are excited to finally announce the reopening of their studio. Championing good vibes and complete inclusivity, if you want to give one of the most popular dances in the world a try, then check out this brilliant taster class and you might surprise yourself! With fab music, a bustling atmosphere and friendly faces all around you – give this a go and you may find yourself with a brand new hobby! Whether you want to learn a signature move, freshen up your musicality, or connect with a diverse range of new people – this event has something for everyone. 

Above the Line, in collaboration with local filmmakers Lissi Simpson and Zak Wundowa, are proud to present a night of short films representing the BAME and LGBTQIA+ communities. With screenings of 5 short films from local LGBTQIA+ or Black and Mixed Black filmmakers within the North West area followed by an in-depth Q+A discussion, this event is a brilliant fusion of entertainment and education. The night is a brilliant opportunity for people to come together to talk about the films and how the medium of film can be the most powerful tool in bringing about growth and understanding from not just within but also the wider world.

Interested in vintage fashion and one-off pieces from decades ago? Look no further. Newly established vintage clothing store, The Wonderful Flight, proudly holds a beautifully curated selection of the rarest and most sought after vintage finds. From 1980s Starbucks varsity jackets to flannel shirts to made in the USA vintage graphic T-shirt’s – browse through this incredible archive of USA fashion history and take a step into the past as you rummage through the amazing pieces on display. With weekly clothing drops on their website every Thursday and new pieces in-store daily, there’s always something to look forward to each week!

Join Never Stop Manchester this weekend to celebrate Global Climbing Day at Rock Over Climbing. In the pursuit of the big walls of Yosemite to the high peaks of the Himalayas, climbers found not only a freedom but a community – strengthened by stories, experiences, and perspectives. This annual celebration brings together that exact community and proudly introduces it to a new audience. With workshops, giveaways, and many more – be sure to book your space now to guarantee a spot! 

Supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, Rooted by Design is a project centred around creating spaces of joy, connection and social imagination with Black Communities across the UK. This free evening is sure to be full of joyful storytelling and sharing from across multiple generations in Manchester. In the backdrop of the events following COVID-19, Rooted by Design promotes that joy can be our tool to point towards a hopeful future and is proud to host a space of togetherness, strength, and happiness. Exploring sound with movement, connections between generations, the power of nature, and the importance of food – Manchester will take a look into its own journey of joy.