Just over a week to go now until the big day and there are still tonnes of fantastic free events to get involved in this week. From mini-festivals at HATCH to watching award-winning poets perform their work to a very comprehensive walking tour all about the historical Jewish ghettoes of Manchester – we’ve sorted something for just about everyone in the city.

Here’s the rundown…

Jenny Mitchell | Manchester Poetry Library | Thu 16 Dec | 7pm - 8pm

Head to the North-west’s first-ever poetry library for an evening of award-winning poet, Jenny Mitchell’s powerfully evocative poetry. Reading from two of her prize-winning collections, Map of a Plantation, winner of the International Poetry Book Awards 2021, and her debut collection, Her Lost Language, Jenny Mitchell’s work is radical, poignant and incredibly relevant in our current political period.

As well as this, she will be discussing her current project in which she completely redefines the canonical text of Jane Eyre, retelling the seminal story from the perspective of a free woman of colour in the 19th century. After winning the Ware, Folklore and Aryamati Prizes and a Bread and Roses Award—it’s of no surprise that the Manchester Poetry Library is so stoked to have her come and perform her brilliant work.

Manchester Metropolitan University, Cavendish Street, Manchester M15 6BG, Tel: 0161 247 2000
Jewish Manchester walking tour | Victoria Station wallmap | Wed 15 Dec | 11am - 1pm

Join one of Manchester’s local icons, leading historian Ed Glinert, for a tour around what once was the old Jewish ghetto. Turn up to learn more about the city’s past alongside the Jewish community and how it changes throughout the late 18th century until the modern day.

Learn about the gradual move of the Jewish community to Northern Manchester, first to the Strangeways area, Hightown, Cheetham Hill and eventually Whitefield—with the only bigger Jewish population in Britain being in London! Featuring some fun facts about prominent historical figures including Nathan Meyer Rothschild, Robert Maxwell and Karl Marx—this walking tour will definitely be packed full of info about all things Manchester, Jewish and historical.

Victoria Station Approach, City Centre, Manchester M3 1WY
Open Beat | HATCH | Thu 16 Dec | 6pm - 1am

Fancy a free night to kick off the weekend in style? Manchester stalwart, HATCH, is throwing an eclectic night of live music, killer DJs, cracking food and drink vendors and pop-up shops to nab some last-minute Christmas presents.

Powered BIMM and OpenBeat, this is a great night-out to show your support for independent musicians and the city’s newest and best emerging artists in HATCH’s quirky and cool as ever settings—see it like having your very own mini-festival slap bang in the heart of Manchester. Register your interest for some much-appreciated access to discounted food and drink at some of the many amazing stalls there.

103 Oxford Road, Manchester M1 7ED, Tel: 07586 111640
Youth Pride Workshops | 53two | Sun 19 Dec | 11am - 1pm

If you’re between the ages of 14-18 then this could be a brilliant opportunity to get directly involved in some free workshops run by Manchester Pride all about helping support and educate young LGBTQ+ people and their allies.

With prizes, games, creative classes and lots of sweets—this is a great way to learn in a safe, fun and entertaining environment. Featuring drag, queer theory, voguing and the legendary Clap Olympics—you’ll be spoilt for choice for all the great activities you can throw yourself into.

Arch 19, Watson Street, Manchester M3 4LP, Tel: 07432 198724
Care Leavers' Craft Fayre | GMYN | Wed 15 Dec | 3.30pm - 6.30pm

In an effort to raise funds for Cancer Research UK, local charity, Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) is putting on a Care Leavers’ festive Craft Fayre. The free mid-week event forms part of their social action project to involve young people in their local area through community engagement, charitable endeavours and an emphasis on creativity throughout.

Perfect for getting you in the Christmas spirit, head over to the Greenfish Resource Centre where you’ll be able to browse the creative work of Manchester’s future generations and enjoy some lovely complimentary refreshments. A brilliant opportunity to shop sustainably, support two admirable charities and get actively involved in the local community—this is definitely one to check out this week.

Greenfish Resource Centre, 46-50 Oldham Street, Manchester M4 1LE, Tel: 0161 234 2950
Mon 13 Dec - Sun 19 Dec
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 13 Dec 2021