The breathtaking replica earth art installation that’s previously drawn crowds in Wigan, Salford, and Rochdale is finding a new home in Oldham this month.
The captivating and internationally-renowned work of art – which most-notably spent some time floating on the waters of both Pennington Flash Nature Reserve and Salford Quays at the back end of 2021, before sadly having to be taken down due to adverse weather conditions – will be exhibited inside the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham town centre from Saturday 26 February as part of the popular Illuminate festival.
Created by renowned artist Luke Jerram, and featuring a specially-made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning composer, Dan Jones, the earth replica – which is named Gaia – was created from detailed NASA imagery of the earth’s surface.
It provides visitors with the opportunity to the planet we call home on a huge scale, floating in three dimensions.
The artwork aims to create a sense of the ‘Overview Effect’ – which is a common reaction by astronauts who have seen the real thing.
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Jerram – who is known worldwide for his large-scale public artworks – said he has created the work to give visitors “a feeling of awe” for the planet, a “profound understanding of the interconnection of all life”, and a “renewed sense of responsibility” for taking care of the environment.
Oldham Council is confident that Gaia – which means ‘the personification of the Earth’ in Greek mythology – will be a great addition to this year’s Illuminate festival, which is returning for its fifth year and gives people the chance to see the town in a new light.
Visitors planning on heading down to Illuminate 2022 can explore the illuminated townscape from Oldham Library and Gallery Oldham, right through to Parliament Square and on to the Queen Elizabeth Hall to see all the mesmerising illuminated installations and dazzling performances.
The packed programme of events includes ‘Spin Me A Yarn’ from Studio Vertigo in the Gallery Oldham gardens, and the ‘Moon Gazing Hare’ where digital art and puppetry come together to create a wondrous projection on the Old Town Hall façade by leading digital artists Illuminos and Global Grooves.
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You can also see the ‘Nova’ star installation at Oldham Parish Church, and check out Zarah Hussain’s exhibition ‘Light Upon Light’ at Gallery Oldham.
There’ll also be live music, family crafts, and light painting at Oldham Library too.
Illuminate 2022 will kick-off on Saturday 26 February / Credit: Oldham Council
Illuminate 2022 will kick-off on Saturday 26 February with a breathtaking procession of community-made lanterns led by the world-renowned SPARK, accompanied by illuminated giant puppets and performances from some of the UK’s leading light performers.
Speaking ahead of the much-loved festival’s arrival in the city once again, Cllr Arooj Shah – Leader of Oldham Council – said: “It’s great to have Illuminate back in Oldham as it’s one of the most spectacular events in the borough.
“With so many installations and performances to see it is sure to not disappoint.
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“Gaia has been seen around the world so to get it on display in the town centre as part of the festival is a real coup for Oldham.
“I hope Gaia will spark the imagination of those who visit in lots of ways and inspire them to think about the changes we can make to tackle climate change, which is having a huge impact on all of us.”
Visitors planning on heading down to Illuminate 2022 can explore the illuminated townscape / Credit: Oldham Council
Illuminate 2022 is free to attend, and Gaia will be on show inside the Queen Elizabeth Hall from 26 February – 1st March.
Saturday 26February: 6pm – 9pm
Sunday 27 February: 10am – 4pm
Monday 28 February: 10am – 4pm
Tuesday 1 March: 10am – 4pm
You can find out more about what’s on at Illuminate 2022 here.
Featured Image – Oldham Council
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Science and Industry Museum’s adults-only ‘after hours’ event returns with a Halloween twist this month
Emily Sergeant
A popular adults-only ‘after hours’ event is returning to Manchester later this month… and there’s some spooky surprises in store.
If you need an excuse to leave the little Mancs at home, or you just fancy releasing your inner child, then one of Manchester’s most visited museums might have just what you’re looking for, as the Science and Industry Museum has announced that its popular After Hours event especially for adults is returning for one night only at the end of the month.
The museum will become your playground once it’s closed for the day as you settle in for a unique evening of live music, giant interactive games, and spooky surprises for Halloween.
Science and Industry Museum’s adults-only ‘after hours’ event returns with a Halloween twist this month / Credit: Science Museum Group
The Museum’s permanent galleries and displays will be open after hours, so you can get hands-on with science in Experiment, meet mighty machines in the Textiles Gallery, and discover Manchester‘s rich legacy of industrial innovations, creativity, and world-changing ideas in Revolution Manchester.
You’ll also get free access to the popular Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition, which just opened earlier this year, and get to indulge your playful side in Power Up – with more than 150 consoles to choose from in the ultimate gaming extravaganza.
Especially for spooky season, you can look forward to some very special one-off events too, like stellar performances from Manchester drag royalty, Anna Phylactic, a cosmic cabaret with live vocals, and a monster mash-up soundtrack guaranteed to get you into the Halloween spirit.
There’ll also be a chance to meet Albert Slime-stein – a larger-than-life monster popping up the museum as part of Halloween in the City’s iconic Manchester Monsters trail.
And as this is an adults-only event, the museum’s events bar will be open on the night, serving up a wide range of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks to wet your whistle while you’re looking around, with some delicious food to accompany too.
Museum After Hours is happening on Thursday 29 October from 7pm-10pm, with tickets setting you back £12 each or £6 for concessions.
The Good Clothes Show returns to Manchester next month for a weekend of ‘fashion, shopping, and creativity’
Emily Sergeant
A weekend of ‘fashion, shopping, and creativity’ is returning to Manchester next month.
Taking over Manchester Central in early November, The Good Clothes Show is set to make a return to our city for one of the most fashionable weekends of the year, and will bring together dozens of brilliant independent brands, vintage and pre-loved treasures, hands-on workshops, catwalks, expert talks, and more all under one roof.
Visitors can expect an extensive shopping lineup of independent fashion brands, local artisans, contemporary labels, vintage specialists and pre-loved sellers.
At the heart of the weekend is a huge programme of opportunities to ‘learn, make, mend, and transform.’
The Good Clothes Show returns to Manchester next month / Credit: Supplied
You’ll get to try everything from darning, sashiko, and crochet, to creating makeup bags, transforming shirts, and upcycling football tops. Or if you fancy something completely different, there’ll be a chance to make a fascinator from scrap materials, create a statement necklace, or give tired old shoes a spectacular new lease of life.
No matter whether you’re a complete beginner or already quite handy with a sewing needle, organisers say The Good Clothes Show it’s all about learning new skills and leaving inspired.
And this year, TV star Leigh Francis is joining the fun as the show’s special guest for the weekend too.
Get ready for a weekend of ‘fashion, shopping, and creativity’ / Credit: Supplied
There’s plenty happening beyond the shopping and workshops, as you can take a seat beside The Good Catwalk, get ideas and advice at The Style Stop, hear from fashion voices and changemakers, or simply stop for a glass of sparkling and compare shopping finds.
And it’s not just about the grown-ups either, as The Kids Club will encourage the next generation to discover design, textiles, and creativity through hands-on activities of their own.
Emily Sergeant -
18th February 2022 
