MANCHESTER: the free list

Put the purse away and discover all the free things going on in Manchester this month

By Alison Bell

April

On your bike
Organisers of Chorlton’s Big Green Festival on April 4th are inviting anyone with two-wheels to use their pedal-power for the greener good. There are prizes up for grabs for best-dressed bike or fancy-dress outfit. Other events at the festival include a clothes and books swap, food and drink stalls, art exhibitions and craft workshops. St Clement’s Church, Edge Lane, Chorlton www.greenchorlton.org.uk
Da Vinci exhibition
If all you know about Leonardo Da Vinci is that he had something to do with Tom Hanks, you could head to Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley Street where, until May 4th, you can see a collection of 10 drawings by the annoyingly all-round genius. Including an amazingly-detailed sketch of a human skull, this exhibition is a must for art lovers. www.manchestergalleries.org
Stare at human art
The Nexus Art Café is a gem of the Northern Quarter. Until April 12th you can catch the 40 Days of Solitude event in which a member of the public spends time alone in an enclosed space from 9.30am until 7pm. Stare at them through the window on Dale Street or head into the welcoming organic café-cum-art gallery.
Hidden Manchester in pictures
If you want to keen to see hidden parts of Manchester, visit the Urbis for an exhibition of photographs that show sneaky peeks of the city through broken hoardings and open grates. Andrew Brook’s Reality Hack, Hidden Manchester is on until July 5th. Cathedral Gardens, www.urbis.org.uk
Art fix
Gorton Monastery on Gorton Lane in east Manchester is now open to the public on Sundays from 12pm-4pm. The open days include a range of activities including music events, arts and culture workshops and other community activities. www.gortonmonastery.co.uk
Celebrate St George's Day
Fancy a knight in shining armour? Head for the city centre on Sunday April 19th and follow the St George’s Day parade as it makes its way from Nicholas Varley School in Miles Platting to Piccadilly Gardens. They’ll also be a St George’s market in Piccadilly Gardens. The parade will be between 12pm and 1pm. www.jackstgeorge.bravehost.com
Poke your office pals
If you’ve had a tough week at work maybe you could take out your frustration by whacking your colleagues with a pugil stick. And it’s all above board! Office Party at Pure in the Printworks has a range of entertainment from Gladiators-style games to an inflatable football shoot-out. There is also stand-up comedy and bands. Entrance is free and you can just rock on up or reserve a place by calling 0161 819 7775. Every Friday from 5pm-9pm. www.office-party.com
Craft mafia
The Manchester Craft and Design Centre is hosting an exhibition of work produced by the art group UK Craft Mafias until May 2. The event showcases the best of the members’ work from Manchester, Nottingham, Glasgow and Sheffield and while there you can browse round the craft stalls. 17 Oak Street, Northern Quarter, www.craftanddesign.com
Art and science
There aren’t many doctors-turned-artists, but Eric Fong made that unusual career change. A collection of his video and photography is at the Chinese Arts Centre and is said to examine different medical approaches and wider social attitudes. The exhibition finishes on April 5th. Thomas Street, Northern Quarter. www.chinese-arts-centre.org
Tea dance at the Trafford Centre
Treat a grandparent or parent this Easter and not have to spend a penny! The Trafford Centre holds tea dances on Tuesdays from 6.30pm and they even throw in free tea and coffee and a free raffle! You’ll be in the good books for ages. For more information go to www.traffordcentre.co.uk and click on the What’s On button.

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