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.
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
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 13 – 19 May 2024
Emily Sergeant
How glorious has the May weather been so far this month? Let’s keep hoping there’s more where that came from.
Over the past couple of weeks and throughout the month of May so far, the Greater Manchester social calendar has featured the likes of foodie festivals, cultural celebrations, and wholesome spring-themed events… and thankfully, there’s loads more for everyone of all ages to be getting involved with this week and beyond.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though?
We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘What’s on‘ guide, so here’s some of our recommendations.
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Operation Ouch!
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 13 May – Sunday 9 June
Operation Ouch! / Credit: Science Museum Group
Don’t forget there’s a world-first exhibition still running down at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, and it’s giving families the chance to “dive headfirst into the digestive system” and “travel like a poo”.
The new blockbuster exhibition, Operation Ouch!, is based on and will see the award-winning CBBC children’s TV series brought to life.
Visitors can expect interactive experiences, amazing objects from the Science Museum Group’s collection, and appearances from world-renowned doctors who will be on hand to guide audiences through this “lively, interactive, and playful adventure to better understand our brilliant bodies”.
Manchester’s landmark entertainment complex, Printworks, is encouraging everyone to “move their bodies” during Mental Health Awareness Week this week by hosting a series of free fitness classes underneath Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
As part of a collaboration with Nuffield Health, the city centre venue is set to transform the local community’s lunch break with, and it’s promising a “midday fitness fiesta like no other”
Classes will be running from Monday 13 – Friday 17 May, and you can find out more here.
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Tales of Manchester 2.0
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Monday 13 May – onwards
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Tales of Manchester 2.0 / Credit: Supplied
A brand-new art exhibition curated by visual artist Emma Evans in partnership with six other creators is now open in Manchester, and it’s completely free to visit.
Tales of Manchester 2.0 down at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a collection of multi-platform art celebrating our brilliant city, and it’s showcasing six spoken word pieces by established Manchester based poets – Griot Gabriel, Ilaria Passeri, Lisa O’Hare, Mark Jackson aka Keith’s Brother, Matt Concannon aka The Thirsty Poet, and Sarah Attwell.
The spoken word is paired with visual pieces painted by self-taught artist Emma Evans, where the words have served as inspiration for the art.
The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition
Manchester Central Library
Monday 13 May – onwards
The Manchester College ‘Greater Mancunians’ Exhibition / Credit: Supplied
Photography students from The Manchester College are now showcasing their ‘Greater Mancunians’ project as part of a landmark exhibition at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall.
150 students have participated in the groundbreaking photography project, and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.
More than 100 contributors are featured in the project, including musicians Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, athletes Diane Modahl and Ricky Hatton, local politicians Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Bev Craig, actors Maxine Peake and Bill Roache, artists Stan Chow and AKSE P-19, and other local figures like Jonathan Warburton, Simon Martin, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE.
Did you see that Chester Zoo has been named the best zoo in the UK for 2024?
Everyone in and around Greater Manchester and the North West is already familiar with just how brilliant the UK’s biggest charity zoo is and all the work it contributes towards conservation and protecting endangered species all across the world.
But now, it’s got itself a respectable new title to prove it, and it’s all thanks to tens of thousands of positive TripAdvisor reviews.
The world’s biggest travel guidance platform has named Chester Zoo as the best-rated zoo to visit in the UK this year, with more than 11,000 ‘Excellent’ ratings.
Manchester Green Spaces Trail / Credit: Carl Sukonik | Annapurna Mellor
Workers and visitors are being invited to discover some stunning outdoor spaces across Manchester city centre and beyond this summer.
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Keen to get out and about on foot? Manchester has launched Manchester Green Spaces Trail – a brand-new walking trail celebrating the best green, blue, and outdoor areas the cities of Manchester and Salford have to offer.
Created in collaboration with Manchester tour guide, Jonathan Schofield, the walking trail is free to do and accessible via a downloadable map, and it features 16 garden and water spaces.
NEW OPENING – Malibu Beach Club / Credit: Malibu Drinks
Malibu Drinks is opening a pop-up outdoor lounge with a relaxed beach bar theme, bright decor, and an extensive summer cocktail list in Manchester this week.
The only official Malibu bar outside of London, and aptly-named ‘Malibu Beach Club’, the colourful pop-up will open right in the heart of Manchester city centre on Great Northern Square, and we’re already being told to expect cute and colourful aesthetics, an unbeatable beachy charm, quirky lanterns, and palm trees.
There’ll also be plenty of seating both in the beaming sunshine (… or when it arrives) or undercover and heated for when it inevitably rains.
In celebration of World Bee Day, the award-winning River Restaurant at The Lowry Hotel has launched a ‘Bee Afternoon Tea’.
For just £30 per person, the indulgent afternoon tea comes complete with a themed sandwiches and savouries, a traditional cream tea, a selection of pastries and sweet treats, and the chance to try an accompanying cocktail menu, all inspired by Manchester’s beloved bee symbol.
Freight Island’s Spring & Summer Festival Season 2024
Depot Mayfield
Saturday 18 May – onwards
Freight Island’s Spring & Summer Festival Season 2024 / Credit: Freight Island
In case you missed it, Freight Island has announced a huge lineup for its Spring/Summer season, with a free-to-attend festival series.
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The huge urban street food and entertainment destination, located at Depot Mayfield just beyond Manchester Piccadilly, is now back open in full swing, and is promising its most electrifying season yet throughout this spring and summer.
David Rodigan, Greg Wilson, Crazy P (DJ set), and Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip) are just some of the names on the lineup over the next few months.
Blue Peter is launching a book club for kids right here in Manchester this weekend, and it’s free for everyone to get involved with.
Book-loving mini Mancs are in for a real treat, as the iconic BBC children’s TV series is partnering with Manchester Libraries and The Reading Agency for an exciting new project called ‘Blue Peter Book Club Live’.
Officially kicking off at Manchester Central Library this Saturday, Blue Peter Book Club Live is set to be a “fun-filled event” that’s open to all.
MediaCity’s new waterfront street food hub and community events venue, Kargo.MKT is hosting an ‘All Things Vintage’ market this weekend.
Fashion enthusiasts are invited to head on down and browse some of the best vintage traders in Manchester, all while listening to amazing vintage live music and tucking into a wide range of yummy food and drink.
Running from 12pm right through to 4pm, the market is free to attend, and there’s no tickets needed either, so you can just rock up.
South Terrace Yoga / Credit: FORM MCR | King Street Townhouse
One of Manchester’s most popular hotels is hosting another one of its yoga brunches on the terrace overlooking the city’s skyline this weekend.
As part of a ‘Wellness Series of events geared towards those who are keen to start the day with the best intentions, King Street Townhouse is inviting you to “stretch with the city skyline as your backdrop” at an exclusive yoga and brunch event on its impressive sixth-floor terrace.
The one-hour class is run by FORM, and is suitable for all abilities, and it will be followed by brunch with a smoothie to sip on once you’re done.
Featured Image – KSTH | Malibu Drinks | Freight Island
What's On
The UK’s biggest fashion thrift market returns to Manchester this weekend
Emily Sergeant
A huge pop-up fashion fair full of vintage, pre-loved, and small business clothing is back in Manchester this weekend.
Clothes Cycle is the UK’s biggest curated second-hand clothing market.
With a focus on championing sustainable clothing and helping fashion fans find a gem they’ll treasure forever, each pop-up market organised by the student-led initiative sees dozens of carefully-curated sellers offering a wide range of styles and items – including plus-sized, gender-neutral, male and female – come together all under one roof.
Taking over the unique space inside the historic Victoria Baths this Sunday (12 May), Clothes Cycle will welcome more than 100 different sellers showcasing everything from bargain vintage finds and designer pieces, to pre-loved wardrobes and picks from local small businesses.
Organisers say the Manchester event will be a combination of in-person thrift shopping, a filtered car boot sale, and the best of sustainable high street stores.
Sellers on the day will be offering up something for everyone on every budget.
With plenty of bargains under £5 up for grabs, you can expect to find vintage clothing of all kinds, alongside the best of streetwear, y2k, retro, archive pieces, luxury brands, current trends, and handmade clothing if you head down on the day, as well as bags, shoes, jewellery, and lots of other accessories.
The UK’s biggest fashion thrift market returns to Manchester this weekend / Credit: Clothes Cycle Markets
If that wasn’t enough, there’ll also be vendors selling home decor, art and prints, greeting cards, plants, ceramics, and so much more, as well as tooth gem and nail art stalls to get involved with.
There’ll even be three DJs blasting out tunes in various rooms throughout the day.
And if all that shopping gets you a bit peckish, there’ll even be some of the city’s best-loved independent street food vendors pitching up to serve a wide range of mouthwatering grub – including pizza, burgers, dumplings, gyros, streak sandwiches, and ice cream, alongside freshly-brewed coffee, and other alcoholic drinks and cocktails.
Clothes Cycle is coming to Victoria Baths in Manchester on Sunday 12 May from 11am-5pm, and tickets are now on sale from £5 online or on the door – with several concessions and VIP ticket options also available.