Science Museum Group announces ‘world-first’ Cancer Revolution exhibition
'Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation and hope' is the first major exhibition to reveal the past, present and future of how cancer is prevented, detected and treated.
The Science & Industry Museum in Manchester has announced a major new free exhibition exploring the scientific revolution transforming global cancer care.
Opening in October 2021, Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation and hope has been described as a ‘world-first’; revealing the past, present and future of how cancer is prevented, detected and treated.
Created by the Science Museum Group with support from Cancer Research UK, the exhibition investigates how more of us are living longer with the disease than ever before – with one in two diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.
Cancer Revolution will feature stories of people affected by cancer, together with those who study and treat it – showcasing the progress made by researchers, clinicians, policymakers and patients. It will also examine how the disease has been treated over the centuries, from high-risk surgeries to the discovery of the first chemotherapy drugs.
Cancer Revolution is coming to Manchester’s Museum of Science & Industry in autumn 2021
Katie Dabin, Lead Curator of the exhibition, says the revolution in cancer care is “about more than just science”.
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“There’s a profound shift in expectations and attitudes – cancer is no longer regarded as a terminal disease or as a disease that can’t be mentioned by name,” she stated.
“Today, more people than ever before can be treated or live with the disease for a long time. Hope has broken the silence that surrounded cancer.
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“Whilst we can’t cancer-proof our lives, we can take agency in the face of it – from speaking more openly about it, being aware of its causes and symptoms, dispelling misconceptions and stigma, and by being open to finding out more about it.
“Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating cancer. So much progress has been made in the global fight against the disease and this inspirational exhibition will show our optimism for the future.”
Katie Dabin, Lead Curator of the exhibition says that the revolution happening in cancer care is “about more than just science”.
Deborah James, exhibition advisor, writer and podcaster, was diagnosed with Stage Four bowel cancer five years ago – and took part in trials which have “given hope and life to others”.
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“Science has always given me hope to take things one step at a time,” she said.
“I was given two and a half extra years of life, on a targeted drug combination not even on the table when I was first diagnosed.
“Through this exhibition we can open up the conversation of cancer even more – throw down the veil, and educate a new generation to know that prevention is key, science is wonderful, and always to have hope.”
The exhibition will present the stories of people affected by cancer, together with those who study and treat it
Features of Cancer Revolution include info on cutting-edge treatment, live research, artist installations, film, photography and personal stories from those living with the disease.
Displays also feature the latest technologies advancing cancer science and therapy today, including mini-tumours engineered to study cancer and virtual reality tumour maps.
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The exhibition is supported by principal sponsor Pfizer and major sponsor QIAGEN, along with Redx Pharma Plc.
Information and tickets are set to be released ahead of Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation opening in Manchester in autumn.
The Science & Industry Museum is currently hosting Top Secret – an exhibition focused on cybercrime, codebreaking and GCHQ – and Use Hearing Protection – exploring the early days of Factory Records.
Beyond The Music moves to MediaCity for the first-time ever
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester arts festival and conference Beyond The Music is back for 2026, but this time it will be heading to MediaCity for a Salford debut.
The long weekender is still a relative newcomer when it comes to the Manc events calendar, but it’s quickly gathered plenty of repute not just in the North West but within the industry as a whole.
Holding just its third edition later this year, Beyond The Music ’26 is set to be the most ambitious yet, spread across the three days and promising an impressive lineup both in terms of live performers, but also speakers, industry experts and wider activities.
With MediaCity and dock10 hosting their inaugural Beyond The Music, it’s another big win for the second city, with Sports Personality of the Year sticking over Salford way for the foreseeable future, along with other events like the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards moving to the Quayside.
Much of the BBC’s World Cup coverage is also being hosted at their Salfordian studios and main Northern base this summer, too.
Given that so many big annual dates have now made the switch to central Manchester – the BRITs and the MOBOs, just to name two recent examples – you could say it only makes sense to spread things out across the surrounding boroughs and their equally rich heritage.
Not that you should need reminding, but Salford isn’t just part of the region: it’s a city all of its own right that boasts an immense amount of pride over what is nothing short of a sterling musical history.
As for the 2026 Beyond The Music programme, besides both the local artists and more international creatives than ever, there’ll be keynote conversations, industry showcases, and wider networking opportunities for anyone looking to immerse themselves deeper in this world.
You’ll have to wait a little while longer for a full live music lineup, but watch this space…
Mayor Andy Burnham and friends help launch Beyond the Music at MediaCityUK (Credit: Mark Waugh)
Sarah Pearson, Co-founder of Beyond The Music, said in an official statement: “Beyond The Music’s mission is to seize this moment, to come together and drive meaningful and lasting change in the music and content industry.
“It’s undeniable that the impact and importance of music and content are stronger than ever, but this is not reflected in their perceived value.
“The ethical and economic infrastructure of the music and content industries demands urgent attention and bold reform… It is our responsibility to protect creativity in order to ensure it doesn’t just survive but thrives. Things may feel difficult, but they are still possible.”
Mayor Burnham added: “Greater Manchester has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation, and Beyond The Music is a vital opportunity for the sector to come together and address the challenges and opportunities facing music and content creation…
“With its move to MediaCity and a bigger-than-ever programme, Beyond The Music is helping to cement our city region’s place at the centre of the creative economy.”
Taking place between 7-9 October 2026, you can register for early bird tickets right HERE. Roll on an even more extensive festival season than ever.
Fairfield Social Club has been voted the Best Comedy Venue in the North
Danny Jones
Let’s toast another feather in Greater Manchester’s cultural cap as local arts venue, bar and hangout, Fairfield Social Club (FSC), has been named the Best Comedy Venue in the North.
That’s according to the much-revered annual Chortle Awards, the 2026 edition of which has named Fairfield not just one of the best in our specific city or region, but currently the benchmark for any live comedy spot located in the top half of the country.
And that’s not all: they actually took home another award this year, because why just win one when you can take home two?
For starters, congratulations are in order, and we couldn’t be prouder of our grassroots Manc venues continuing to set the bar; now let’s get into exactly what they won and why…
In addition to taking home the accolade for leading their field when it comes to hosting live comics and more, having quickly built up a strong reputation in the industry beyond just the North West, FSC also claimed a second gong, thanks to ‘CroppaChoppa’s Slumber Party‘.
The resident stand-up and sleepover games format show, which has been based over at the Green Quarter complex for some time now, just won Best New Comedy Format for the second year running.
Reacting to the consecutive awards, founder Charlotte Cropper said: “We are so thrilled to have won Best Comedy Format two years in a row! Lying our sleepover bag down at Fairfield Social Club is our favourite thing to do every month.
“Who knew a sleepover show with a misogynistic teddy bear mascot would become the best night of our lives?”
This, of course, is just one of many regular comedy-centric events happening throughout the FSC calendar – and you really should going along if you haven’t before.
Speaking on an incredible year all-round, Fairfield Social Club’s GM and live bookings manager, Jessie Perillo, added: “We’ve spent the last year building a comedy programme we’re really proud of; it’s one that supports emerging talent while also attracting some of the biggest names touring right now.
“To have both the venue and the shows recognised nationally is a dream and as a comedy lover myself, I couldn’t be happier!
“We’ve got some incredible new shows lined up over the next few months that we can’t wait to announce, and launching ‘A Lovely Weekend’ is just the beginning of what’s to come.”
Congrats again and well done to all those involved in helping keep Manchester-based humour and live arts on the comedy map; we can’t wait to see what else in store for 2026. Speaking of…
The Manc -
28th July 2021 
