Free things to do in Manchester this week FT Running in Motion, Ramona and more

Swing by Ramona this Wednesday to catch a cracking three-hour DJ set brought to you by Hit & Run resident, LUCIDIK.

The Manchester-based multi-genre DJ will be exhibiting her range and mixing prowess over three hours of musical magic – a perfect way to add a little bit of spice to the working week.

Open now at the Whitworth, the landmark new exhibition Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990 combines works from more than 90 women artists and collectives whose ideas helped fuel the women’s liberation movement during a period of significant social, economic and political change.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to see works by both household names like Lubaina Himid, Sonia Boyce and Ingrid Pollard, alongside less familiar names who have been left out of mainstream art historical narratives.

Kick off the weekend with Band on the Wall’s free-to-dance global music night, which, this week, spotlights NGUVU – a Swahili term that translates to power, force, and energy.

But here in the UK, NGUVU is what happens when you blend nasty baselines, dreamy chords, powerful vocals, sexy sax, and godly grooves into one phenomenally Phat and funky sound.

Being the musical brainchild of drummer and MC, Jamal Lewis-Service, NGUVU merges beautiful blends of world music, jazz-fusion, New Jack Swing, Neo soul, hip-hop, rock, and afro-inspired funk, which this band uses to leave you flying high on pure groove.

Also, be sure to check out BOTW’s free Funk Street parties, which take place every Saturday. This week will see Blush, known for their high-energy performances and irresistible rhythms, transform the night into a funk-filled extravaganza that you won’t want to miss.

Blush will be serving up a carefully curated setlist that spans the very best of the genre, featuring timeless classics by Stevie Wonder, Kool & The Gang, Sister Sledge, Prince, and Chic, along with contemporary hits that keep the funk alive.

Factory International hosts a free exhibition from Originals Creator Network (OCN) North – a group of 20 emerging creatives from across Manchester and the North.

Running in Motion takes over the Social with four major works: PULSE, Do Not Go Gentle, Unsung Heroes, and Three Stories, Three Stripes. 

Each explores speed through a unique lens, taking inspiration from Manchester culture, community, and adidas’ iconic Adizero shoe.

Freight Island is putting on a full-day affair this Sunday featuring the likes of Sean Johnston, Tom Sharkett, Ghost Assembly and Chris Massey on the line-up.

A perfect way to end the week, soak up those final rays of sunshine before starting work again on Monday.