This spring half-term, families can explore a host of Manchester firsts at the city’s famous Science and Industry Museum.
Home to a host of inspiring innovations, clever contraptions and construction-themed activities designed to suit all ages, from 2 to 18 April families can explore the city’s revolutionary heritage and cutting-edge science through a range of hands-on activities and live science shows.
From an indoor ‘builders’ playground filled with larger-than-life foam cubes, bricks and cogs, to an incredible moving sculpture that brings cartoons to life, there’s loads of fun to be had whether your kid’s a dreamer or a hands-on builder.
In the newly revamped Experiment gallery, visitors can play with a new selection of interactive experiences.
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Here, you can use a thermal camera to learn about heat energy, make magnetic art and even throw some shapes on the museum’s new interactive shadow wall.
Image: Science Museum Group
Elsewhere, in the brand-new Mega Makers indoor playground, little ones can build their own contraptions by stacking and connecting large foam cubes and bricks – drawing inspiration from the building work currently going on at the museum to restore and transform the historic site.
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Storytime is held daily between the hours of 1030-11am, and 1.30-2pm, with curious kids invited to settle down with the Explainer team as they enter into the world of Izzy Gizmo, a girl who loves to invent.
During storytime, children are encouraged to immerse themselves in her tale with actions and props before exploring the Mega Makers activity where they can go on to create their very own invention.
This means some areas including the Power Hall remain closed to the public and there is ongoing work being done to revamp the Revolution Manchester Gallery. However, there’s still plenty for families to do, see and enjoy during the holiday period.
The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. Credit: Science Museum Group
Inventors of all ages can investigate clever contraptions with expert Explainers at Science Stops around the museum, discover how to take an idea from a curious concept to a real-life creation, then get crafty and design their own inventions to solve problems you never knew you had.
There’s plenty of fun activities for younger visitors too. Under fives can borrow one of the Construction Packs containing a high-vis jacket, hard hat and wooden tools—everything little ones need to ‘work’ around the museum.
Free tickets for the Spring Holidays are available now and can be booked in advance through the museum’s website (www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk) or by calling 033 0058 0058.
Feature image – Science Museum Group
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
The Manc -
28th March 2022 
