With lockdown restrictions and guidelines seemingly in a constant state of flux, it’s difficult to know what we’re allowed to do and what should be avoided. We’ve rounded up the best free things to do in Manchester this week, featuring both in-person and virtual events, so there’s something for everyone, regardless of your level of comfort at the moment – and if you are going to in-person events, make sure only to attend with members of your own household bubble and adhere to social distancing guidelines and any rules implemented by the venue.
NIAMOS, Manchester’s radical art and culture centre, present a one-off opportunity to watch some of the city’s finest new wave jazz creatives, including The Mirror Ball Test, Kara and Shunya. The event will be live-streamed via Youtube, and will only be available to watch on Thursday night.
Castlefield Gallery missed out on the chance to hold a preview and launch of their latest exhibition, Soft Bodies, due to lockdown. This private viewing formally marks the exhibition, and also gives visitors a chance to visit the gallery within a pre-booked timeframe rather than just dropping in – perfect for those still reluctant to fully resume normal activity. The exhibition explores how increasing developments in computer-generated graphics intersect with how we experience, understand and imagine our own bodies.
Partisan, Manchester’s collective, volunteer-run space for independent, community-led DIY and cultural projects, is hosting their first ever online Day Festival to launch their new and permanent BIPOC fund to support rolling commission opportunities for BIPOC artists, musicians, DJs, facilitators & community projects. The day will bring the work of local film artists, live acts and DJs right into your own home – Partisan encourage you to tune in and start a watch party on Zoom with friends to make the most of the event. Donations are encouraged, and will all go to the new BIPOC fund.
The Chorlton Vintage Boutique is marking the changing of the seasons this weekend with a launch event for their Autumn and Winter clothing and accessory collection. A number of vintage traders will have their best seasonal garments on show, including Twisted Sister Vintage and Fikle Vintage. The event will take place outdoors and social distancing measures will be in place – stop by and see if you can find the perfect piece to make a statement in the colder months.
This mini-market at Barton Arcade in Deansgate will feature a whole host of diverse local independent traders, including bakers, florists, jewellery makers and loads more. You can reserve a spot for brunch, or just show up on the day for a browse of what local makers have on offer at the moment – you never know what you might find!
- Words:
- Amy Callaghan
- Published on:
- Mon 21 Sep 2020
Above The Line’s excellent film club have some more great screenings this week in The Pink Room at YES. On Wednesday, you can watch Ari Aster’s sophomore feature Midsommar, a contemporary folk horror that will stay with you long after you’ve watched it. There’s a lot to catch in a second (or third, or fourth…) viewing of Midsommar, so even if you’ve seen it before, don’t miss the chance to join in with this fun collective viewing at YES.