Free things to do in Manchester this week ft. HOME, Manchester Central Library and more

Head to Manchester Art Gallery this Thursday for a delightful afternoon, brought to you as part of the Connect Chamber Music Festival collection.

Soak in the artwork as you listen to two fourth year quartets from the Royal Northern College of Music who will be performing core works by Beethoven and Haydn in the beautiful setting of the famed Victorian Galleries.

All about celebrating the 100th publication anniversary of James Joyce’s Ulysses and Anthony Burgess’s creative responses to Joyce’s work – this Bloomsday Social is sure to be special.

A perfect blend of community, socialising, learning and generous free wine reception – what’s not to love? Head over for a deep dive into the life of Joyce and how Burgess was so inspired by his work featuring music, film and song.

Get yourself over to the stunning venue of the Manchester Central Library for a mini-festival all about celebrating the histories of Greater Manchester women.

A whole afternoon jam-packed with fun activities including badge-making, dressing up, memorial walks and street art design.

Not only are there heaps of family-friendly activities but a whole host of short talks about inspiring will also be taking place as well as a performance by the feminist band LittleSheGirls.

A perfect day out for the little ones and the rest of the family – be sure to get over to the Carrot to the Stars Workshop at the Astley Cheetham Art Gallery.

Perfect for primary school-age children, the beautifully illustrated comic book follows the plot of an inventive rabbit, whose dreams of root-vegetable space missions may or may not be fulfilled.

The reading will be followed by further creative and educational activities where your little ones can really get stuck and show off their creative flair – and even bring their newest creations home.