Events

Mar 2026

• Sat 21

  • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    NOTS Charm Making Workshop

    £30.00

    Come and make one of NOTS new Puffy Charms!

    You’ll be learning two different knotting techniques, a bit of hand sewing and finally beading.You will be able to pick from a range of our lovely rope colours and fabrics in a wide range of patterns to create your own unique puffy NOTS.Expect to wrestle long padded tubes into knots, chat to some lovely people and to learn some fun new techniques.
    

    £30.00
  • 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    Visiting Voice: A Poetry Writing Workshop

    Free

    Write two poems in 2 hours with Tom Branfoot & perform on the Poetry Stage at Word Play in Sadler's Yard.

    This generative poetry workshop will look at work by Ben Lerner, Morgan Parker and Peter Gizzi to think about poetic voice, how we are all just visiting our voice and how we can visit others' when writing through a persona.

    Whether you’re talking to yourself, addressing an audience or speaking through character – when we actively use our voice, we are playing with language. But are we using language or is language using us? Are we the speaker or are we being spoken?

    In this fun and thought-provoking workshop with Manchester Cathedral’s writer-in-residence Tom Branfoot there will be the opportunity to write two poems in two hours and perform them on the Poetry Stage which opens at 2pm.

    Note: This workshop is for adults only. No prior experience is needed.

    Free
  • 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

    Featured WORD PLAY

    Join us on World Poetry Day for playful poetry, wilful wordiness and a gentle reminder that language is something you can get creative with.

    Celebrate World Poetry Day with us in Sadler’s Yard. Do you ever struggle to find the right words? Well, look no further, because for one day only, they’re all gathering in Sadler’s Yard. Join us for playful poetry, wilful wordiness and a gentle reminder that language is something you can get creative with. TALKAOKE We hadn’t heard of TALKAOKE until recently either. But now we’re into it! Talkaoke is a pop-up talk show where anyone can sit at a glowing round table and join the conversation. It sounds odd. It is a bit odd. It’s also brilliant. This is the Manchester debut of this cult format, so come and have your say, (or just listen in and enjoy the ride). POETRY FOR PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP 10am–12pm A free workshop led by Manchester Cathedral’s Writer in Residence, Tom Branfoot. Arrive with nothing but a notebook and leave two hours later with a jaw full of verses. You’ll explore rhythm, voice and confidence and maybe surprise yourself. Speaking of which… PERFORMANCE POETRY STAGE An afternoon of live performance from some of Manchester’s best spoken word artists, alongside open mic slots for anyone brave enough to step forward. First-timers welcome. Seasoned pros welcome. Poems made up on the spot also welcome. ALPHABET SOUP We’re cooking up a large pot of minestrone with alphabet pasta. Eat your words quite literally. Free for all attendees, with donations encouraged for local children’s literacy charities. Come for the consonants, stay for the carbs. FONT WORKSHOP Back to basics. In this drop-in clay workshop, you’ll sculpt your own letterform and learn simple techniques for shaping type by hand. Every character made on the day will become part of a collaborative alphabet, which we’ll digitise and share once complete. A typeface built in public. CUT-UP POETRY You’re a poet and you didn’t know it. Join Jot Bookshop to slice, shuffle and reassemble fragments of text into brand new poems. If it was good enough for Bowie it’s good enough for us. JOT BOOKSHOP Your local independent bookseller will be in Sadler’s Yard all afternoon with a carefully curated selection of contemporary fiction, poetry and small press gems. Browse, chat, and take something home. Poetry for Performance Workshop: 10am–12pm All other activities: 12–6pm Free to attend. Family friendly.

  • 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

    WORD PLAY

    Free

    Join us on World Poetry Day for playful poetry, wilful wordiness and a gentle reminder that language is something you can get creative with.

    Celebrate World Poetry Day with us in Sadler’s Yard.

    Do you ever struggle to find the right words?

    Well, look no further, because for one day only, they’re all gathering in Sadler’s Yard. Join us for playful poetry, wilful wordiness and a gentle reminder that language is something you can get creative with.

    
    

    TALKAOKE

    We hadn’t heard of TALKAOKE until recently either. But now we’re into it!

    Talkaoke is a pop-up talk show where anyone can sit at a glowing round table and join the conversation. It sounds odd. It is a bit odd. It’s also brilliant. This is the Manchester debut of this cult format, so come and have your say, (or just listen in and enjoy the ride).

    
    

    POETRY FOR PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP

    10am–12pm

    A free workshop led by Manchester Cathedral’s Writer in Residence, Tom Branfoot. Arrive with nothing but a notebook and leave two hours later with a jaw full of verses. You’ll explore rhythm, voice and confidence and maybe surprise yourself.

    Sign up here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984611578656?aff=oddtdtcreator

    
    

    Speaking of which…

    
    

    PERFORMANCE POETRY STAGE

    An afternoon of live performance from some of Manchester’s best spoken word artists, alongside open mic slots for anyone brave enough to step forward. First-timers welcome. Seasoned pros welcome. Poems made up on the spot also welcome.

    
    

    ALPHABET SOUP

    We’re cooking up a large pot of minestrone with alphabet pasta. Eat your words quite literally. Free for all attendees, with donations encouraged for local children’s literacy charities. Come for the consonants, stay for the carbs.

    
    

    FONT WORKSHOP

    Back to basics. In this drop-in clay workshop, you’ll sculpt your own letterform and learn simple techniques for shaping type by hand. Every character made on the day will become part of a collaborative alphabet, which we’ll digitise and share once complete. A typeface built in public.

    
    

    CUT-UP POETRY

    You’re a poet and you didn’t know it.

    Join Jot Bookshop to slice, shuffle and reassemble fragments of text into brand new poems. If it was good enough for Bowie it’s good enough for us.

    
    

    JOT BOOKSHOP

    Your local independent bookseller will be in Sadler’s Yard all afternoon with a carefully curated selection of contemporary fiction, poetry and small press gems. Browse, chat, and take something home.

    
    

    Poetry for Performance Workshop: 10am–12pm

    All other activities: 12–6pm

    Free to attend. Family friendly.

    Free

• Tue 24

  • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    EVENING GARDENING CLUB

    Free

    Come along every Tuesday evening to potter around in our community garden.

    Come along every Tuesday evening to potter around in our community garden.

    Anything gardening related - you name it, we probably do it.

    
    

    Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen. Where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

    Free
  • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    MAYBE I’LL MEND

    Free

    A mending club open to all skill levels. Bring an item of clothing that needs some TLC and any sewing supplies you may have!

    Mending used to be second nature - most homes had a tin of buttons, needles, and thread ready for repairs. Now, a missing button or worn-out sock often means the end of a garment.

    Mending Club brings those lost skills back. It’s a friendly, free space to slow down, learn or practice mending, and share stories stitched into our clothes. Bring along the jeans you’ve worn to death, your moth-eaten jumper, or socks with holes - together we’ll give them new life.

    No experience needed - whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or can’t thread a needle, you’re welcome. Every other Tuesday at Altogether Otherwise, we gather to darn, patch, stitch, and mend. Tools and materials are provided, and inspiration is always on hand.

    Expect a casual social environment where we can share what we’re currently working on, ask for advice and chat. We’re all about sharing knowledge and skills, so if you’re not sure how to go about a particular mend, feel free to ask! If you don’t have access to all the supplies you might need, a range of needles and materials will be supplied. If you’re not sure what you may need for a particular mend, check out the @manchestermendingclub Instagram for more inspiration.

    
    

    Free
  • 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    EAT THE FROG – Run Club

    Midweek City 5k with Eat The Frog

    Looking for a midweek boost? Lace up and join Eat The Frog for a relaxed 5k run weaving through the city streets. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, this is a friendly, social run at a pace that works for everyone.

    After we cross the finish line, the evening doesn’t end there - we’ll head to the beautiful Altogether Otherwise garden to share a well-earned drink, unwind, and connect with fellow runners.

    It’s not about racing, it’s about moving, exploring the city together, and enjoying good company midweek.

• Wed 25

  • 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm

    DO NOTHING CLUB

    Free

    Sit quietly for 45 minutes. No phones, no pressure, no breakthroughs. Just boredom.

    No breathing techniques.
    No new ways of sitting.
    No subtle manoeuvres.
    Nothing.

    Meeting in silence isn’t a new idea. But we aren’t sitting for mindfulness, or for art, or for spiritual improvement. We’re just sitting. It’s going to be boring. A little boredom is good for you - and it’s increasingly hard to come by.

    We’ll sit down.
    A couple of minutes to arrive.
    Phones off.

    We’ll sit quietly for 45 minutes. If you need to leave, you can. No pressure. At the end, there’s no debrief. No revelations. You just get up and carry on with your day.

    Hope that’s OK with you.

    Free
  • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    WRITING AND WRITING CLUB

    Free

    Jot Bookshop writing and writing club

    Read out loud from your writing practice (max. 10min) – prose, poetry, essay, memoir and everything in between – to a group of closely listening fellow dabblers in writing. Discuss your work and methods in an informal, friendly, supportive environment.

    
    

    Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen—where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

    Free

• Thu 26

  • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

    IN PRESENT COMPANY: YOGA CLUB

    Free

    In this weekly yoga club we'll be exploring all elements of Yoga from the physical practice & breath to meditation, philosophy & beyond.

    In this weekly yoga club we'll be exploring all elements of Yoga from the physical practice & breath to meditation, philosophy & beyond.

    All levels of experience are welcome.

    Bring a mat & wear something comfy. Every week at Altogether Otherwise.

    Hosted by Tam - @tamara.gwen

    
    

    Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen. Where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

    
    

    Free
  • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    THE STITCHING CIRCLE

    Free

    A journaling sewing club!

    A yarn club guided by the moon and seasons. Bring your current project and a notebook. All yarn crafts and levels welcome!

    
    Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen. Where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

    Free

• Tue 31

  • 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    EVENING GARDENING CLUB

    Free

    Come along every Tuesday evening to potter around in our community garden.

    Come along every Tuesday evening to potter around in our community garden.

    Anything gardening related - you name it, we probably do it.

    
    

    Altogether Otherwise is a place where things always happen. Where making, doing, and shared endeavour are all part of the fun. We run workshops, create things, and keep the Hobby House buzzing with activity. No end goals, no pressure, just a space to tinker, try, and enjoy the simple joy of doing.

    Free