Are you a space fanatic? Know a little one that’s obsessed with being an astronaut? Or are you just a fan of art exhibitions? Well, either way, you might want to take a trip to see the ‘Museum of the Moon’this summer.
Taking place in Cheshire, the magical Museum of the Moon experience returns to Macclesfield this September, and it really does need to be seen in the flesh to be fully appreciated.
For anyone completely unaware of the now recurring event, this up-close and personal look at the much-loved lunar installation in the Glasshouse in Alderley Park revolves around a massive, floating moon.
You can finally confirm it, in fact, isn’t made of cheese. Wallace and Gromit will be gutted…
Credit: Press Images (supplied)
On a more serious but still hugely exciting note, the Museum of the Moon forms part of this year’s SciTech Extravaganza, delivered by property Bruntwood every year, and this instant exhib-hit was always bound to make a comeback.
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Created by Bristol-born artist Luke Jerram, this giant sphere is a towering six-metre replica of our Earth’s moon and commands quite the presence in the 150,000 sq ft innovation hub.
The Glasshouse itself is situated within the surrounding and truly stunning 400-acre parkland, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, located less than an hour’s drive from Manchester city centre.
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SciTech Extravaganza 2025 marks just the second edition of the annual event, with promises of family-friendly fun, with plenty of affordable and completely free activities – including the Museum of the Moon itself, all the way up until 19 September.
Credit: Supplied
The day will see the artwork featured alongside a whole host of activities and entertainment, including three ‘Super Cells’ shows by the Royal Institute of Science, designed for three different age ranges: 4–7, 7–11, and 11–14.
In addition, there will also be a ‘balloon scientist’, hosting discussions on everything from elasticity, expansion and aerodynamics, to pressure, static electricity and many other topics via balloon art. Now that’s the kind of learning that gets our attention.
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When you include kids’ computer coding sessions by Skills Supply, face painting, a wide variety of pop-up food and drink stalls to enjoy, and even DJ sets, this really is set to be an entertaining, engaging and crucially educational experience for adults and children alike.
The Glasshouse itself is home to some incredible showcases of tech, software and app development; AI, fintech (financial technology), gaming and more, making it the perfect day out for curious minds and aspiring scientists of all ages.
In fact, if you want to make your visit really special, you can book yourself in to see the massive and rather magnificent model of the moon, in particular, during the evening.
Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer for Bruntwood SciTech, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the extraordinary Museum of the Moon to Alderley Park.
“The installation has captured the attention and imaginations of visitors across the globe, so to have it displayed in our beautiful parkland is incredible. And what better way to celebrate its time with us than with the return of SciTech Extravaganza?
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“It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the world of science and technology at its very best, and nurture curiosity and innovation in STEM-related fields. We look forward to welcoming families back for another unforgettable day, and to help inspire a new generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.”
Running from Monday, 1 September until Saturday, 20 September, tickets to witness the Museum of the Moon and all the other wonderful things on show at SciTech Extravaganza 2025 are available now – you can grab yours for free right HERE.
Beyond The Music moves to MediaCity for the first-time ever
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester arts festival and conference Beyond The Music is back for 2026, but this time it will be heading to MediaCity for a Salford debut.
The long weekender is still a relative newcomer when it comes to the Manc events calendar, but it’s quickly gathered plenty of repute not just in the North West but within the industry as a whole.
Holding just its third edition later this year, Beyond The Music ’26 is set to be the most ambitious yet, spread across the three days and promising an impressive lineup both in terms of live performers, but also speakers, industry experts and wider activities.
With MediaCity and dock10 hosting their inaugural Beyond The Music, it’s another big win for the second city, with Sports Personality of the Year sticking over Salford way for the foreseeable future, along with other events like the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards moving to the Quayside.
Much of the BBC’s World Cup coverage is also being hosted at their Salfordian studios and main Northern base this summer, too.
Given that so many big annual dates have now made the switch to central Manchester – the BRITs and the MOBOs, just to name two recent examples – you could say it only makes sense to spread things out across the surrounding boroughs and their equally rich heritage.
Not that you should need reminding, but Salford isn’t just part of the region: it’s a city all of its own right that boasts an immense amount of pride over what is nothing short of a sterling musical history.
As for the 2026 Beyond The Music programme, besides both the local artists and more international creatives than ever, there’ll be keynote conversations, industry showcases, and wider networking opportunities for anyone looking to immerse themselves deeper in this world.
You’ll have to wait a little while longer for a full live music lineup, but watch this space…
Mayor Andy Burnham and friends help launch Beyond the Music at MediaCityUK (Credit: Mark Waugh)
Sarah Pearson, Co-founder of Beyond The Music, said in an official statement: “Beyond The Music’s mission is to seize this moment, to come together and drive meaningful and lasting change in the music and content industry.
“It’s undeniable that the impact and importance of music and content are stronger than ever, but this is not reflected in their perceived value.
“The ethical and economic infrastructure of the music and content industries demands urgent attention and bold reform… It is our responsibility to protect creativity in order to ensure it doesn’t just survive but thrives. Things may feel difficult, but they are still possible.”
Mayor Burnham added: “Greater Manchester has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation, and Beyond The Music is a vital opportunity for the sector to come together and address the challenges and opportunities facing music and content creation…
“With its move to MediaCity and a bigger-than-ever programme, Beyond The Music is helping to cement our city region’s place at the centre of the creative economy.”
Taking place between 7-9 October 2026, you can register for early bird tickets right HERE. Roll on an even more extensive festival season than ever.
Fairfield Social Club has been voted the Best Comedy Venue in the North
Danny Jones
Let’s toast another feather in Greater Manchester’s cultural cap as local arts venue, bar and hangout, Fairfield Social Club (FSC), has been named the Best Comedy Venue in the North.
That’s according to the much-revered annual Chortle Awards, the 2026 edition of which has named Fairfield not just one of the best in our specific city or region, but currently the benchmark for any live comedy spot located in the top half of the country.
And that’s not all: they actually took home another award this year, because why just win one when you can take home two?
For starters, congratulations are in order, and we couldn’t be prouder of our grassroots Manc venues continuing to set the bar; now let’s get into exactly what they won and why…
In addition to taking home the accolade for leading their field when it comes to hosting live comics and more, having quickly built up a strong reputation in the industry beyond just the North West, FSC also claimed a second gong, thanks to ‘CroppaChoppa’s Slumber Party‘.
The resident stand-up and sleepover games format show, which has been based over at the Green Quarter complex for some time now, just won Best New Comedy Format for the second year running.
Reacting to the consecutive awards, founder Charlotte Cropper said: “We are so thrilled to have won Best Comedy Format two years in a row! Lying our sleepover bag down at Fairfield Social Club is our favourite thing to do every month.
“Who knew a sleepover show with a misogynistic teddy bear mascot would become the best night of our lives?”
This, of course, is just one of many regular comedy-centric events happening throughout the FSC calendar – and you really should going along if you haven’t before.
Speaking on an incredible year all-round, Fairfield Social Club’s GM and live bookings manager, Jessie Perillo, added: “We’ve spent the last year building a comedy programme we’re really proud of; it’s one that supports emerging talent while also attracting some of the biggest names touring right now.
“To have both the venue and the shows recognised nationally is a dream and as a comedy lover myself, I couldn’t be happier!
“We’ve got some incredible new shows lined up over the next few months that we can’t wait to announce, and launching ‘A Lovely Weekend’ is just the beginning of what’s to come.”
Congrats again and well done to all those involved in helping keep Manchester-based humour and live arts on the comedy map; we can’t wait to see what else in store for 2026. Speaking of…
Danny Jones -
22nd July 2025 
