The Science and Industry Museum, one of Manchester’s leading cultural institutions, has begun work on one of its Grade II-listed buildings.
The ‘critical’ repair work will see the historic roof of the New Warehouse replaced – a roof that’s the size of two Olympic swimming pools.
In fact, if you lined up the gutters surrounding the building end-to-end, it would be the same length as London’s Tower Bridge.
The landmark museum’s New Warehouse is more than 140 years old, having first been built as essential storage space for the bustling Liverpool Road Station.
The roof work at the Science and Industry Museum is part of the extensive, multi-million-pound heritage restoration project taking place across the historic site.
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Visitors will be able to see the engineering in action, as scaffolding is erected around the New Warehouse, but the building will remain open for visitors throughout the work.
And there’ll be – as always – a packed programme of events, exhibitions and displays to explore, including the hugely popular Operation Ouch! Food, Poo and You.
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Inside the New Warehouse building of the Science and Industry Museum, there are three permanent galleries, three changing exhibition spaces, the main museum entrance, a cafe, shop, and conference space, all spread across three floors.
The Science and Industry Museum’s New Warehouse is having a new roof fitted. Credit: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
The urgent repairs to its roof will allow them museum to continue its incredible work inspiring new generations of scientists and innovators.
The works are taking place thanks to the museum’s £14.2m worth of capital funding by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
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As The New Warehouse dates back to the 1880s, the vital work will be undertaken with Manchester-based architects Buttress, who specialise in restoring listed and historic buildings.
This will involve making the roof – a massive 100m x 40m in size (or two Olympic-sized swimming pools) – watertight, completely re-tiling it with 60,000 Welsh Slate tiles from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales.
They’ll match the original slates and will even be nailed in in a traditional way to honour the building’s heritage.
Lower Byrom street warehouse, Liverpool road station, Manchester 1983. Credit: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
The work will also make the building more sustainable, with masonry and windows restored and roof lights upgraded.
The final piece of work for this phase will see the gutters replaced with cast iron ones that reflect the building’s history.
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Sally MacDonald, Director of the Science and Industry Museum says: “We are delighted that the next stage of the site’s multi-million-pound restoration project is underway. This marks an exciting moment as we carry out vital repairs to our main museum building, including a brand-new roof.
“Whilst this repair work will bring some disruption to our site, including our largest scaffolding structure to date, the changes taking place now will mean visitors can enjoy our museum for years to come.
“We’ve always been a place of change and transformation and the work on New Warehouse is our next step to future-proof our historic site.”
Alex Scrimshaw of Buttress says: “This is a key milestone for the Science and Industry Museum. The comprehensive repair and renovations reflect our commitment to ensuring that the 140-year-old New Warehouse building will be welcoming visitors for many years to come.
“It’s very exciting to be re-slating the roof with a sustainable national Welsh slate. Traditional lead-lined gutters have been reintroduced, to cope with the ever-increasing pressures imposed by extreme weather.
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“The re-roofing works also provide the opportunity to significantly improve thermal performance; seeing the introduction of an innovative wood fibre insulation; as well as carrying out the meticulous masonry, stonework and window repairs required of a building of this grand stature.
“The project will also incorporate facilities which will enable inspections to monitor and check the building’s precise condition.
“Together with the project team, we are keen to embark on this journey to deliver a museum building fit for the 21st century.”
The New Warehouse work is expected to be completed by mid-2025, with the Power Hall reopening in Spring 2025.
Featured image: The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum – Lee Mawdsley
Art & Culture
Tickets go live as opening date is announced for Manchester City’s new ‘immersive’ museum experience
Emily Sergeant
Tickets to visit Manchester City’s new ‘immersive’ museum experience have officially gone live ahead of the grand opening.
Set to open in the heart of the £300m Medlock Square entertainment district at Manchester’s Etihad Campus next month, the Manchester City Museum Experience will be spread across 10 distinctive spaces – with visitors invited to take a trip down memory lane with nostalgic environments from throughout the club’s history.
Fans will also be able to take part in interactive media experiences, like posing with all 48 major trophies won by the club’s first teams or trying their hand at football punditry.
The experience will combine the latest immersive technology with physical memorabilia drawn from across the club’s history to do this.
Hidden details and surprising ‘did you know’ facts are set to be embedded across the experience, so that even the most devoted Man City fans will have the chance to discover something new about the club they love.
By combining interactive environments, technology, and authentic artefacts, the experience is aiming to appeal to a wide audience – from lifelong Manchester City supporters, to families and those with a broader interest in football, culture, and the city of Manchester.
“The Museum Experience has been designed as a destination that goes beyond just the pitch,” commented Jeremy Maxton, who is the Director of Visitor Attractions at Manchester City Football Club.
Manchester City releases CGIs and important details of its new ‘immersive’ museum / Credit: Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
“Whether you’re a lifelong supporter, visiting Manchester for a weekend, or simply looking for a unique day out, we’ve created an experience that offers something for everyone.
“From the recreated environments and original memorabilia to the interactive elements, there are different ways into the Club’s history throughout the Museum.
“We’ve also built in space for new stories to be added over time, so the experience can continue to evolve. It’s been a huge project to bring together and we’re looking forward to people seeing it for themselves later this year.”
The Manchester City Museum Experience officially opens on 14 December, and you can now book tickets to visit from that date here.
Featured Image – Credit: Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
Art & Culture
12 of the best things happening in Greater Manchester this month | November 2026
Emily Sergeant
Remember remember the month of November.
That’s right – it’s time to wave goodbye to October, as November is here and things are definitely starting to get all festive this month. All across Greater Manchester over the next few weeks, you can expect to see fireworks displays, art fairs, festive celebrations, and (of course) the return of Manchester Christmas Markets for 2026.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, no worries, as we’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured, so take a look.
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Bonfire Night at Printworks
Printworks
Thursday 5 November
Printworks Bonfire Night / Credit: Jason Lock (via Supplied)
Printworks is hosting a free ‘fireworks’ display on its digital ceiling this month.
Aiming to ‘bring Bonfire Night to life’, Printworks will be hosting a dazzling evening of lights, music, stories, and Manchester spirit, as the iconic venue transforms Europe’s largest digital ceiling into a spectacular celebration for all the family.
The free event will first begin with an incredible display of ‘Manchester Stars’, followed by CBBC-ran storytime sessions.
Then comes the main event, Printworks’ digital ceiling will take centre stage for two firework displays – including a dedicated SEN-friendly display at replacing the traditional loud noises with incredible visual effects.
The skies over Manchester will light up once again this month, as free firework displays organised by Manchester City Council will be returning to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park for the first time since 2019.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
That’s not all either, as each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
You can find everything you need to know about the celebrations here.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2026
Manchester City Centre
Friday 6 November – onwards
Manchester Christmas Markets 2026 / Credit: The Manc Group | Flickr
Manchester Christmas Markets will be taking over the city centre this month, with hundreds of little wooden huts lining the streets.
Now in their 27th year, Manchester Christmas Markets are known and loved for bringing thousands of people into the city centre each year to fill up on fantastic festive treats and soak up all the Christmas atmosphere.
This year will see a bigger return of Albert Square, after the headline-grabbing partial return at last year’s event – with the big wheel also set to make a comeback.
There’s also set to be some new locations too for 2026, with Lincoln Square joining in on the action, as well as big changes to St Ann’s Square with what is being described as a ‘brand new layout’ bringing in a bigger number of market stalls.
Everything you need to know about this year’s event can be found here.
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Skate Manchester
Cathedral Gardens
Friday 6 November – onwards
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Skate Manchester / Credit: Supplied
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink is returning to Cathedral Gardens once again this month.
Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store at Skate Manchester, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
Off the back of a hugely successful 2025 season, there will be a specially curated programme of events this year too – including themed nights, competitions, and inclusive skate sessions designed for an accessible and enjoyable experience for as many people as possible.
And if you’re not too confident on the ice, the rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions that are tailored to meet the needs of all visitors too.
The Good Clothes Show is returning to Manchester this month.
Taking over Manchester Central, The Good Clothes Show is returning to our city for one of the most fashionable weekends of the year, bringing together dozens of brilliant independent brands, vintage and pre-loved treasures, hands-on workshops, catwalks, expert talks, and more all under one roof.
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Visitors can expect an extensive shopping lineup of independent fashion brands, local artisans, contemporary labels, vintage specialists and pre-loved sellers.
No matter whether you’re a complete beginner or already quite handy with a sewing needle, organisers say it’s all about learning new skills and leaving inspired.
Remembrance Day 2026 / Credit: Manchester City Council
Manchester is set to honour the ‘service and sacrifice’ of members of the armed forces community during this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
With Remembrance Day only a couple weeks away now, Manchester City Council has revealed how the city will mark this important occasion, and has confirmed all the details of the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade.
Proceedings will start on John Dalton Street at 10:30am, and run right through until midday – with the service itself being held at 11am.
Everything you need to know about this year’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations is here.
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CATS The Musical
Palace Theatre Manchester
Tuesday 10 – Saturday 21 November
CATS The Musical / Credit: Feast Creative
Legendary musical CATS will be taking to the stage here in Manchester this month.
Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, and this new production is produced by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
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With a legendary score featuring well-known songs like Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, TheJellicle Ball, and, of course, the chart-topping hit Memory, this brand-new production of CATS is gearing up to be one of the best theatrical events of 2026.
Find out more and get some last-minute tickets here.
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Lanterns & Light
Chester Zoo
Friday 13 November – onwards
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Lanterns & Light / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo’s popular winter light trail is returning this month, with a redesigned route and some magical new animals.
Produced by Chester Zoo in partnership with Sony Music and Culture Creative, Lanterns & Light has become a popular fixture in the region’s festive calendar over the years, and it’s back this winter to transform the zoo after dark with thousands of festive lights, colour, and wildlife-themed displays.
Some exciting new installations make up the 2026 trail, including the dazzling Suspended Jellyfish underwater display, a mirrored disco tunnel, a glittering pea-lit canopy, and Floating Feathers.
New for this year too, visitors will also get to encounter parrots, dolphins, and a giant polar bear among an expanded cast of life-sized animal puppets, all brought to life by specialist performers.
One of the UK’s largest art fairs is returning to the city this month, bringing more than 180 exhibitors together all under one roof.
Designed for the collector, the curator, and those who are just simply curious, Manchester Art Fair draws in tens of thousands of visitors, and will feature lots of new and returning galleries and artists this year – all of whom will be showing new works.
The fair will welcome more than 600 artists for an exceptional showcase of modern and contemporary art, with thousands of works available to discover and buy from both world-renowned names and some of the most exciting emerging creative talent.
Northern Lights Manchester / Credit: Max Cooper Photography
Northern Lights is returning to Manchester this month with a dazzling mile-long light trail transforming Heaton Park into a wonderland with 14 different installations.
This year, Northern Lights – which attracted more than 100,000 visitors when it made its debut last winter, and received rave reviews across the board – is inviting visitors to step back into their favourite festive memories with a nostalgic collection in installations.
Original soundscapes, spectacular new illuminations, and even a marshmallow zone will bring the fully accessible trail to life.
Rochdale is set to be illuminated by fiery sculptures, as the showstopping Ignite Fire Festival returns later this month.
Organisers Rochdale Development Agency are promising the best year yet with a spectacular trail of fire, lights, and sound, along with some thrilling new attractions – including blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.
The gardens and square surrounding the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall, as well as the parkland and walkways on Broadfield slopes, are all preparing to be transformed into a vision of festive light and colour.
This year’s festival will all centre around the mesmerising night time-trail, ‘BODY’ – a multi-sensory and immersive trail will transport visitors on an educational but exciting journey, through the six zones of the human body.
Back by popular demand for its fourth year to kick off Christmas in style, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning this month for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.
Hundreds of captivating performers will take over the town centre for the day, and 2026’s lineup promising something for the whole family.
Think a giant snow lion, a circus adventure into space, the world’s smallest nightclub, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.
Daisy Jackson -
31st January 2024 
