Science and Industry Museum reveals the best science photos of the year
Manchester Science Festival has officially launched today - kicking off 10 days of scientific celebration by revealing the winners of the country's prestigious science photography competition.
The Science and Industry Museum devoted to the development of science, technology and industry with emphasis on the city’s achievements
Manchester Science Festival has officially launched today – kicking off10 days of scientific celebration by revealing the winners of their prestigious science photography competition.
Held in partnership with the Royal Photographic Society, the festival’s digital exhibition puts the winners of the Science Photographer of the Year on display for all to see; showcasing 75 shortlisted and stand-out photographs.
The Science Photographer of the Year competition is described as ‘celebrating the remarkable stories behind scientific exploration, depicting its impact on our everyday lives and illustrating how photography helps record and explain global issues and scientific events.’
Orthophoto of the SS Thistlegorm by Simon BrownRainbow shadow selfie by Katy Appleton
Selected images were chosen from over 1,000 entries submitted by amateur and professional photographers – judged by an expert panel starring people from the Science and Industry Museum and Science Museum Group.
British photographer Simon Brown has been named Science Photographer of the Year in the ‘General Science’ category for his photo, ‘Orthophoto of SS Thistlegorm’ (above) – which is described as ‘an intricate reconstruction of a shipwreck using photogrammetry’.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Young Science Photographer of the Year has been awarded to 12-year-old Katy Appleton for her image, ‘Rainbow Shadow Selfie’ (above) that captures the beauty of a common phenomena of light splitting through a prism.
A Climate Change category was also introduced this year; reflecting the theme of the 2021 Manchester Science Festival.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sue Flood’s incredible ‘North Pole Under Water’image (below) won this award.
The Under 18’s Young Science Photographer of the Year trophy went to 11-year-old Raymond Zhang for his image ‘Apollo’s Emissary’ (below) – which shows one of the largest solar power stations in western China.
North Pole under water by Sue Flood FRPSApollo’s Emissary by Raymond Zhang
Dr Michael Pritchard, Director, Education and Public Affairs at the RPS, said: “This year’s Science Photographer of the Year is more relevant than ever before in documenting how science and climate change are impacting all our lives.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The selected images are striking and will make us think more about the world around us.”
Manchester Science Festival is the biggest of its kind and has remained a huge event in the city’s cultural calendar since 2007.
This year’s virtual edition offers viewers the chance to take part in a wide range of talks and exhibitions – many of which are available for free.
Alongside the Royal Photographic Society’s exhibition, highlights of the 2021 festival include:
Changing the System: An ‘in conversation’ event where renowned musician and climate campaigner, Brian Eno, joins ClientEarth founder, James Thornton, to discuss how to use the power of law to combat climate change, protect the environment and build a future in which people and the planet thrive together.
Earth, But Not As We Know It: An expert panel responding to specially-recorded provocations from Dr James Lovelock, the 101-year-old scientist who studied at The University of Manchester and created the influential yet controversial Gaia Hypothesis.
‘How Can I Be A Good Citizen of the World?: A three-part series where Manchester physicist Helen Czerski asks the question in relation to transport, equality and food.
A discussion about eco anxietywith the festival’s Young People Panel chaired by Niall Henry, founder of The Blair Project, a disruptive social enterprise that exists to inspire the next generation of green tech workforce.
Sally MacDonald, Director of the Science and Industry Museum, said: “It is fantastic that Manchester Science Festival has launched to the public, so that everyone can enjoy the exciting programme of online events and exhibitions. In these difficult days, we’re delighted to be able to bring the joy of our museum into people’s homes.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The programme is a positive one – looking at ways we can all take action and contribute to solutions around climate change, connecting communities, scientists and activists with the aim of advancing ideas for a better world.
“I am delighted that our partnership with the Royal Photographic Society is leading the festival’s digital line-up. Visual arts are so important in furthering our understanding of the world around us, and this exhibition really shines a spotlight on the effects that both science and climate have on our lives.”
The museum is hoping to host a number of socially-distanced, in-person activities later in the year – including UK premieres and a dedicated special event programme for families.
Further events are also being planned for June and November, coinciding with the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.
To explore the full Manchester Science Festival line-up and book free tickets, visit the official website.
News
Rare picture of David Bowie’s legendary one-off gig in Stockport unearthed
Danny Jones
A rare picture taken from the night of the late, great David Bowie’s legendary one-off gig in Stockport has been unearthed by a local whilst digging through his loft.
Imagine having that kind of history just squirrelled away in an attic…
As revealed by Stockport Music Story, after being supplied with the image by David Maynard, the snap was shared more than half a century on from the much-mythologised moment in Greater Manchester music history.
In fact, it was put on display and posted on social media quite literally 56 years to the day since Bowie played his only Stopfordian set on 27 April, 1970.
Maynard himself is featured in the newly discovered photograph (second from the left) and was one of the select and lucky few who were in the room for that very special show.
Organised by a group of teens on behalf of the Stockport Schools’ Students’ Union, the performance took place at the long-gone Poco a Poco music venue and club over in Heaton Chapel.
The storied space hosted many big names over the years – Gerry Marsden, Freddie Starr, Hank Marvin and more – but sadly closed in May of 1987 following a fire.
It went on to become the popular Hinds Head pub, which still serves punters to this day, but once had the honour of hosting a true artistic great and British icon.
For anyone wondering, this is indeed the same night on which David Robert Jones (yes, that’s Bowie‘s full birth name) missed his train home and had to sleep on the railway platform.
Here’s a BBC segment covering the tale back on its 55th anniversary in April 2025.
It may be a small and somewhat curious claim to fame, but native love the legend of it all nonetheless.
As for the other individuals pictured alongside him, Stockport Music Story (SMS) said: “The names of the people we know are David Maynard (2nd left), Roz Wood (3rd left), David Bowie, Bill Frost (2nd right), Stewart Rigby (right).”
They go on to add: “It would be amazing to find out who the other people in the photograph are and what they remember from that night.” We sincerely hope they do.
You can now see the plaque up close and personal at Stockport Station for yourselves and as for SMS’s growing archive of the region’s creative culture, you can find out tonnes more about other pieces of SK heritage right HERE.
Featured Images — David Maynard via Stockport Music Story/Stockport Council
News
Huge literary festival returns to Greater Manchester this summer with dozens of FREE events
Emily Sergeant
A huge literary festival with dozens of free events is returning to libraries across Greater Manchester this summer.
Festival of Libraries, the county-wide celebration of all 133 libraries throughout Greater Manchester, is back by popular demand this summer, and organisers have now announced a programme filled with free family-friendly events – with everything from games and performances, to exhibitions, workshops, and arts and crafts on the lineup.
With events running in libraries across all 10 boroughs, this year’s festival will kick off during May half term first, before officially returning from Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 June.
During the May half term (25-31 May), festival favourite Look for a Book, the much-loved children’s book trail, returns across Greater Manchester, celebrating the release of Put Your Records On – the first picture book from musical artist Corinne Bailey Rae, inspired by her hit song of the same name.
A huge literary festival is coming to Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: Supplied
Put Your Records On follows a young protagonist, Bea, discovering her great aunt’s record collection, and it’s said to be a ‘celebration’ of music’s therapeutic power and intergenerational bonds.
500 copies of Put Your Records On will be hidden across the city region, along with clues and riddles to solve, and lucky winners will even have the chance to meet Corrine herself during the festival too.
Then, when the festival properly kicks off a few days later, interactive workshops and events hosted by Festival of Libraries will welcome families to explore the different ways of engaging with the region’s libraries.
Children can immerse themselves in the world of comic book creation and take inspiration from leading UK comic artists in ‘Comic Creativity Galore’, tap into their tastebuds with ‘Tasting Children’s Literature’, exploring the foods that come to life in beloved works of children’s literature, or take part in the ‘See Myself in Books’ events, which will champion diverse and inclusive children’s books.
‘Transition Reads’ and ‘Storytelling and Moving Image’ workshops from SNE Studios will offer interactive guidance on the shift from primary to secondary school, and they’ll take place alongside a wide range of other activities.
Ultimately, Festival of Libraries 2026 is aiming to explore the county’s rich literary heritage through exhibitions and workshops – and you can be a part of it.
The Manc -
11th February 2021 
