There’s still time for little Mancs to head on down to theScience and Industry Museum and “explore ideas that change the world” before summer is out.
With just a couple of weeks left before the summer holidays are over and the new school year begins, families are being encouraged to make their way to Manchester’s very-own Science and Industry Museum in the heart of the city centre and get involved in a fun summer of creativity, as they get to unpick the history the region’s textiles heritage, discover how the industry is woven into the fabric of the city’s unique identity, and so much more.
Textile City is the place to create moving machines that support modern-day textiles production, meet the local makers keeping Manchester’s textiles industry alive, produce unique print designs, and rediscover traditional manufacturing techniques.
You’ll get to put your stitching skills to the test during free drop-in activities and workshops happening every day.
Head on down to the Science and Industry Museum to “explore ideas that change the world” / Credit: Science Museum GroupFamilies can get involved in a brand-new immersive art project designed by artist Jenny Steele / Credit: Drew Forsythe (via Science Museum Group)
As always, the museum’s team of expert Explainers will be hosting interactive activities to demonstrate the skills used in Manchester’s creative industries, and explore some of the ideas that started at the site of the museum and went on to change the world.
Before the summer’s out, there’s also the chance to recreate the city’s skyline using foam blocks covered in textiles print inspired by Manchester’s unique architecture by getting involved in a collaborative art project that’s been designed especially for the museum’s summer programme by artist Jenny Steele.
Make, create and play this summer☀️🪡🧵
Be inspired by the city and get involved in a new immersive art project designed by artist @jennycsteele.
— Science and Industry Museum (@sim_manchester) August 17, 2022
Fashion and textiles not really your thing though?
Away from that, the summer holidays are also the perfect time to check out the Museum’s free interactive gallery, Experiment, which is designed for the whole family to enjoy together and has recently just undergone a revamp to add some new interactive elements – including the chance to experience heat vision with a thermal camera, play with magnetic art, and throw some shapes to tell stories with a shadow wall.
Youngsters can also build sturdy bridges and tall towers, make music with their body, try to see through walls and find out how they can shake hands with themselves, test their senses, flex their superpowers, and discover whether or not they’re strong enough to lift a car with one hand.
They can even play songs on musical pipes, and get creative with glow-in-the-dark art.
The summer is also the perfect time to check out the Museum’s free interactive gallery, Experiment / Credit: Science Museum GroupNew interactive gaming experience, Power UP / Credit: Science Museum Group
But by far one of stand-out exhibitions to make the most of at the Science and Industry Museum this summer has to be the new interactive gaming experience, Power UP, where players can enjoy the very-best video games from the past five decades and try out over a hundred different consoles to rediscover childhood favourites and test out some of the latest developments in virtual reality.
A new section dedicated to the Manchester-based people and companies who changed the face of the city’s gaming industry has also been added to Power UP – which is open every day during school holidays and on Saturdays and Sundays during term time.
The Science and Industry Museum is open every day throughout the summer holidays up until Sunday 4 September, and you can find out more and book tickets in advance through its website here or by calling 033 0058 0058.
Featured Image – Drew Forsyth (via Science Museum Group)
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Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.