Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum unveils programme of FREE family fun for half term

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Little Mancs can climb aboard a miniature train and set off on a journey of discovery at the Science and Industry Museum this half term.

As schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term at the end of this week, and parents and carers gear up to entertain the little ones, the Science and Industry Museum has, thankfully, just announced a wide range of events and activities especially for the holidays – with many activities free to get involved in.

The popular cultural hub in the heart of Manchester city centre is promising visitors a May half term full of hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and imagination.

The main event, which is kicking off this weekend (Saturday 23 May), invites families to ‘explore the playful side of power’.

From climbing aboard a miniature steam railway and taking part in interactive engineering sessions, to seeing steam-powered traction engines, live demonstrations, and performances inspired by the sounds of industrial Manchester, visitors will be transported back in time to play the role of passenger.

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Almost 200 years ago, this was the site of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway – the world’s first inter-city passenger railway – and May half term will bring this story to life again, as families take a ride around part of the museum’s newly reopened outside space.

Hosted by Little British Rail, rides are priced at £4 (with those under one-year-old going free) and can be booked in advance by visiting the museum’s website here.

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The Science and Industry Museum has unveiled its programme of free family fun for the half term / Credit: Science Museum Group

Expert Explainers will be on-hand throughout the half term hosting Curiosity Stops, so you can discover how water becomes steam, see what powers a piston, and explore how our bodies mirror the mechanics of machines.

The final weekend of the holiday (5-7 June) will also see members of Urmston & District Model Engineering Society steaming onto site with its early 20th century Fowler Showman’s traction engine and Foden steam wagon.

Elsewhere at the museum over the half term, you can take a look around the historic Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery, which has recently reopened to the public, and you can take part in interactive workshops with Manchester-based percussion group, Drumroots – giving visitors the chance to experiment with rhythm, movement, and music inspired by the sounds of historic steam engines.

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And, of course, half term is the perfect chance to go on out-of-this-world adventure across the Solar System and visit the new Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition, if you haven’t already. Or visit the ultimate gaming experience, Power Up, instead during its extended holiday opening hours.

For the full programme of daily events throughout half term, and to book tickets for difference experiences in advance, head to the Science and Industry Museum website here.

Featured Image – Science Museum Group

Donny Osmond books biggest-ever Manchester gig

Danny Jones Danny Jones Donny Osmond Manchester gig tickets

Iconic American singer and actor Donny Osmond has announced his biggest-ever Manchester concert as part of his upcoming ‘VIVA UK’ tour dates.

Bringing his famous Las Vegas residency show to Great Britain, where he has always had a fervent following, the younger Osmond brother will be making a venue debut over six decades into his career.

Famously part of the musical family who not only sang together but also saw multiple TV shows created in their name – including his very own spin-off, Donny and Marie – he’s been around longer than most in showbiz, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Confirming a whole new run of live dates across the country, Donny Osmond will be returning to Manchester early next year.

Writing on social media, the veteran entertainer said: “I’m so pleased to finally share the official 2027 UK tour dates with you.

“It always means so much to return to the UK – the audiences there have given me some of the most unforgettable moments of my career.”

As for here in our city, he last played Manchester back just a few short years ago at the AO Arena, selling out the 20,000-seater space on 29 November 2023.

Now, though, he’s upgrading to approximately 23k this time, with die-hard fans being encouraged to download his very own ‘Donny App’ to secure the earliest possible access.

Set to play Co-op Live for the very first time, we’d expect this one to sell equally well; you can see the rest of the shows listed so far down below.

Donny Osmond VIVA UK live tour dates 2027

We’ve highlighted all the Northern dates for you:

  • Wed, 20 Jan – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
  • Thurs, 21 Jan – Newcastle, Utilita Arena
  • Sat, 23 Jan – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
  • Sun, 24 Jan 24 – Manchester, Co-op Live
  • Tue, 26 Jan 26 – Hull, Connexin Live
  • Wed, 27 Jan 27 – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
  • Fri, 29 Jan 29 – Leeds, first direct arena
  • Sat, 30 Jan 30 – Birmingham, BP Pulse Live
  • Mon, 1 Feb – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
  • Wed, 3 Feb – Bournemouth BIC
  • Friday and Saturday, 5-6 February – London, Eventim Apollo

Early access tickets for Donny Osmond’s VIVA UK tour will be available both via the app and the venue’s official Co-op membership, with the presale window opening at 10am on Wednesday, 20 May.

Meanwhile, general admission tickets will go live at the same time the following Friday (22 May), with VIP and hospitaity packages also on offer.

You can get ready to grab yours right HERE.

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Featured Images — Heinrich Klaffs (via Flickr)/Publicity pictures (supplied via Co-op Live)

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