Greater Manchester is firmly in tier three at the moment, but that hasn’t stopped local venues and groups from coming up with great festive events to keep you busy this December. We’ve rounded up the best free things to do in Manchester this week — almost entirely virtually, but with one outdoor event. Read on to find out more…

Poetry book writing & publishing workshop | Tue 8 Dec | 12am - 2am

This totally free workshop is run by Sush Dutta, Founding Partner and CEO of Global Book Publishing, but does take place on North American time. Aspiring poets might want to stay up late for it though, as you can find out loads of details about the book publishing process, as well as finding the right publishing path for you. It’s well worth tuning in if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your work in print…

Stone Flowers live | Imperial War Museum | Fri 11 Dec | 5pm - 6pm

Members of Music Action International’s torture survivor collective Stone Flowers have fled war, conflict and violence in Iran, Egypt, Syria and many other countries. This live-streamed music event, hosted by the Imperial War Museum, will introduce their latest songs (in English, Swahili, French, Tamil and Sango) and give some insight into their lives, experiences and cultures.

Last Quizmas | The Four Horsemen | Fri 11 Dec | 8.15pm - 9.45pm

The Four Horsemen pub bring their annual Christmas quiz to a virtual format this year, and it’s a little different to your standard pub quiz. It’s a live digital theatre show – you tune in on Zoom and play along with the quiz in real time. The quiz is ticketed on a Pay What You Decide basis — there is a minimum donation of £1, with all ticket money going to the PlayMakers fund supporting Northern creatives.

Urmston Community Pop-Up Market | Sat 12 Dec | 10am - 4pm

If you’re scrambling for gifts for a few hard-to-buy-for people, why not stop by Urmston Community Pop-Up Market? You can support local small businesses (including craft beer sellers, florists, and artisans) while shopping outdoors in a COVID-safe environment. It’s the perfect chance to pick up a few festive bits and bobs!

Lifeshare Virtual Christmas Market | Mon 7 Dec

If you don’t fancy setting foot outdoors to shop, why not have a browse of Lifeshare’s virtual Christmas market? It’s ongoing throughout December with a selection of sellers setting up virtual stalls online, all raising funds for Lifeshare’s vital work in the community. There are also live-streamed performances taking place throughout this month, so keep an eye out for those…

Mon 7 Dec - Sun 13 Dec
Words:
Amy Callaghan
Published on:
Mon 7 Dec 2020