THE Friends of the Whitworth art gallery in Manchester, are celebrating 85 years of volunteering with Showcase, a free programme of events for the public to enjoy.

It includes:

• Music from the Abelia Saxophone Quarter, RNCM trained musicians

• Performance by the Friends of the Whitworth Players.

• The chance to take home a print of Anya Callaccio’s tree from their drop in print workshnop.

• An art sale with work by artistic friends.

• A guided tour of works acquired with help from the ‘friends’ for the Gallery collections.

• A living history to bring back memories of trips, tours and life with the ‘friends’.

• Director Alistair Hudson presenting the vision for the future.

• A celebratory evening menu on the night with cocktails and mocktails at the Café in the Trees.

Tricia Tierney, the chairman of the Friends of the Whitworth, said: “In this free event, we wanted to showcase all of the things we do such as organising concerts, running workshops, helping the gallery acquire works of art – to celebrate the commitment of our volunteers past and present."

* Showcase will take place at the Whitworth, Oxford Road. Manchester M15 6ER from 5.45pm to 8.30pm on April 11.