With the weather slowly but surely picking up, we’re now slap bang in the middle of the shortest month of the year and there are heaps of great free events you can get involved in around the city.

From Valentine’s Day inspired Macrame workshops to some stellar live electro-soul recordings—we have most definitely got you covered for the best free things to do in Manchester this week.

Here’s the rundown…

Equality in the Art Sector | The Whitworth | Wed 9 Feb | 1.30pm-3pm

This is a great event for any local artists out there who fancy getting properly stuck into the ever-booming creative scene in the city. The gallery’s School of Creativity is a brilliant space for artists to come together, network and discuss the working conditions of modern freelance artists.

Very interactive and most definitely very informative, head down to The Whitworth this Wednesday for some chat, creativity and connection.

Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER, Tel: 0161 275 7450
Ellen Beth Abdi | Low Four Studio | Sat 12 Feb | From 7.30pm

Get yourself over to the Low Four Studio this Saturday for a live recording of the rising electro-soul star, Ellen Beth Abdi. Joined by a live band and DJs following the recording, this will definitely differ from your average gig.

For lyrical soul and funky beats, be sure to start your weekend in style.

Deansgate Mews, Great Northern Warehouse, Manchester M3 4EN
Miss You Macrame | Whitworth Locke | Wed 9 Feb | 12pm-1pm

Led by local Mancunian craft artist, Patch-a-mama, be sure to get yourself over to Whitworth Locke for a wholesome afternoon of Macrame and learn all the techniques so that you can create your very own heart keyring for Valentine’s Day.

Made from recycled cotton and from the heart, switch up your usual gifts this Valentine’s Day for something a little more creative.

74 Princess Street, Manchester M1 6JD, Tel: 0161 823 0530
Placemaking Piccadilly | Methodist Hall | Wed 9 Feb | 6pm-8pm

Make a manifesto with Manchester Central Foodbank and arts organisation Get It Done this Wednesday through creative activities, fun games and informative discussion all geared around creating a public space in Manchester that’s inclusive to everybody.

By the end of the workshop, the group will have collaborated to produce a ten-point manifesto that will be presented to the Manchester City Council in March.

Oldham Street, Manchester M1 1JQ, Tel: 0161 236 1185
Lantern Making | Gallery Oldham | Sat 12 Feb | 10am-12.30pm

Be a part of the Oldham Illuminate Parade 2022 with this incredible lantern making workshop and get involved in one of the town’s biggest yearly events.

Illuminate will be filled with a whole evening of live performances, installation art and community spirit later this month so be sure to make your own lantern and take part in the glowing Illuminate procession this Saturday.

35 Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL, Tel: 0161 770 4653
Mon 7 Feb - Sun 13 Feb
Words:
Rhiannon Ingle
Published on:
Mon 7 Feb 2022