To celebrate 40 years since opening on its original site right in the heart of Manchester city centre, the massively-popular cultural destination is set to mark four decades of inspiring visitors with “ideas that change the world” this weekend through a whole host of interactive activities that won’t cost you a penny.
Since it opened at its current home in Castlefield on 15 September 1983 on the site of the oldest surviving passenger railway station, the museum has been devoted to exploring Manchester’s rich heritage – and it continues to do so right through to this very day.
Expert talks, new behind-the-scenes walking tours, and birthday-themed arts and crafts are just some of the exciting things visitors can get involved with over the celebratory three-day weekend.
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There is, quite literally, something for everyone.
Science and Industry Museum reveals ‘special’ 40th birthday events lineup / Credit: Science Museum Group
To mark the historic four-decade milestone, you can enjoy special ‘spotlight talks’ focusing on the pioneering Liverpool Road Station and how it revolutionised the world, as well exploring how the station’s buildings were transformed into a museum, and how the museum’s now setting out “a vision for a sustainable future”.
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You can also go on new special walking tours and get behind-the-scenes access to the museum’s historic spaces – including some that are temporarily-closed while conservation and repair work is underway as part of the multi-million-pound regeneration project.
A range of birthday-themed arts and crafts activities that give you the chance to explore more about the city’s history of textiles production will also be available over the full weekend.
And if you fancy showing off your pipes, then you can even join in with a birthday sing-along during the popular Revolution Manchester show – which is a free action-packed science performance taking place several times throughout each of the three days.
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There’ll be expert talks, new behind-the-scenes walking tours, and more to get involved with / Credit: Science Museum Group
“We’re delighted to be celebrating 40 years in our home of global historical significance,” the Science and Industry Museum’s Director, Sally MacDonald, said ahead of this weekend.
“What happened here changed the world, triggering a revolution in trade, technology, travel and time.
“It’s where science met industry and the modern world began, and we’re dedicated to protecting and furthering this legacy by celebrating the technical skills of Mancunians past as well as highlighting the skills and pathways available to the next generation of technicians, engineers and creators who can change the world.
The Museum opened doors at its current home in Castlefield on 15 September 1983 / Credit: Science Museum Group
“So, what better way to mark our 40th anniversary than with a host of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.”
As well as all of the events planned over the 40th birthday weekend, a new digital discovery guide has also been made available online for the occasion, which gives visitors the top 40 things to “see, do, and discover” at the museum.
More information about all the free 40th birthday activities taking place this weekend can be found on the Science and Industry Museum here.
Featured Image – Science Museum Group
What's On
Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail to take over Stockport town centre this summer
Emily Sergeant
Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail takes over the town.
Following huge success in London and North Tyneside, Stockport visitors are being told to get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures each inspired by the SmileyWorld icons.
Kicking off from the start of next month, the trail will be making its North West debut in Stockport, and organisers say it’s guaranteeing family fun during the school summer holidays.
Oh and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.
Created by the trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld – a lifestyle brand that’s dedicated to true emotional expression – the trail will feature 15 playful sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail is taking over Stockport town centre this summer / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Perfect for all ages, the trail will be spread across the town centre, with sculptures featured everywhere from the Merseyway Shopping Centre, to Stockport Underbanks, Viaduct Park, The Plaza, and more.
Designed as a self-guided experience, the sculptures will reflect a broad range of human feelings and will invite people to connect as they explore Stockport’s key locations and landmarks using free trail maps, complete with games, puzzles, and doodles for kids, all of which will be available to download ahead of time.
Printed copies will also be available for pick up in local businesses and public venues.
“We are delighted to be able to bring the SmileyWorld Art Trail to Stockport,” commented Charlie Langhorne, who is the Managing Director and co-founder of Wild in Art.
“Exploring the trail is a fun activity to do with friends and family and it’s free to visit. It’s a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll around Stockport town centre while discovering some truly unique and inspiring art.”
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail is taking over Stockport from 4 July through to 15 September 2025, and you can find out more here.
Featured Image – Scott Kershaw Photography
What's On
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed FREE fun next month
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
With a whopping 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer – apparently a little band called Oasis is performing or something? First we’ve heard of it – and a massive lineup of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city these next couple of months, this year’s Manchester Day is aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’.
Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.
From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.
Manchester Day is back on Saturday 26 July. 🎉
Inspired by music, expect pop-up performances, spontaneous sing-a-longs and have-a-go activities. 🎶
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 2, 2025
As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.
Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.
You can expect strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-alongs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, and the stand-out music parade event travelling from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a ‘musical meander’ through the city streets.
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun next month / Credit: Manchester City Council
“We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year, which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as this year’s theme was announced.
“Everyone in Manchester loves music, Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it, and that’s why everyone’s on the guest list for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.
“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up, so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it.”
Emily Sergeant -
11th September 2023 
