A massive “gaming extravaganza” is happening down at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester next month.
With only a couple of weeks to go before schools right across Greater Manchester are out for the Easter holidays, families may already be on the look-out for some fun and educational ways to keep the little ones entertained – and luckily, the Science and Industry Museum has, as it always does, got you covered.
For all the gamers out there, the beloved visitor attraction in the heart of the city centre has organised a packed programme of gaming, animated adventure, and digital discovery events inspired by its hugely-popular ongoing interactive gaming experience, Power UP.
From Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 April, visitors will be transported inside their favourite games as part of the Actual Reality Arcade – a life-size nostalgic gaming experience that’s promising to “unlock memories” players star in real-life versions of some retro favourite games, including Invaders and Breakout.
Young gaming lovers can also explore a special Pac-Man floor maze, and families can level up together with some super-size gaming too.
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A massive ‘gaming extravaganza’ is happening at the Science and Industry Museum next month / Credit: Science Museum Group
If you haven’t had the chance to head on down to the museum to check out Power UP for yourself yet, then now’s your chance, as on top of the special Spring events, the exhibition also showcases the very-best video games from the past five decades, and gives you the opportunity to try over a hundred different consoles to rediscover childhood favourites and test out some of the latest developments in virtual reality.
You can also revel in nostalgia with retro arcade classics Pong and Pac-Man, rock out on Guitar Hero, and tackle a virtual reality mission with Astro Bot.
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The museum’s team of expert Explainers will also be on hand to lead the ultimate gaming geek-out, as they share the secrets behind the latest technology that’s bringing huge advances in graphics and game playing.
There’ll also be plenty of chances to get creative alongside professionals from the gaming industry.
There’s a packed programme of gaming, animated adventure, and digital discovery events / Credit: Science Museum Group
“We’re so excited to turn the museum into a playground of super-sized gaming fun this spring holiday,” explained Tash Camberwell – School and Families Producer at the Science and Industry Museum.
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“We want to inspire visitors with ideas that have changed the world by discovering Manchester’s amazing contribution to the gaming industry as we look to the future, supporting the next generation shaping it through careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
“From Pong to Pac-man, there’s something for everyone this April, so whether you’re an experienced gamer or picking up a console for the first time, come along and get involved.”
The world of gaming not really up your street though? There’s still time to check out the museum’s new world-first exhibition, Turn It Up: The power of music, for the chance to make some noise and get creative with hands-on activities – including building your own music-makers, creating your very-own tunes in a specially-commissioned ‘musical playground’, and exploring the secrets and science of sound.
Families with younger children can also enjoy activities specifically designed to “spark creativity in young minds”, with free Construction Packs on offer to take round the museum.
You can experience first-hand how far games and gaming technologies have advanced over the years / Credit: Science Museum Group
The Science and Industry Museum will be open throughout the Easter holidays, with general admission tickets to the museum free, but tickets to Power UP and Turn It Up setting adults back £8 and children £6 each.
Book tickets either through the museum’s website here, or by calling 033 0058 0058.
Featured Image – Science Museum Group
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The Good Clothes Show returns to Manchester next month for a weekend of ‘fashion, shopping, and creativity’
Emily Sergeant
A weekend of ‘fashion, shopping, and creativity’ is returning to Manchester next month.
Taking over Manchester Central in early November, The Good Clothes Show is set to make a return to our city for one of the most fashionable weekends of the year, and will bring together dozens of brilliant independent brands, vintage and pre-loved treasures, hands-on workshops, catwalks, expert talks, and more all under one roof.
Visitors can expect an extensive shopping lineup of independent fashion brands, local artisans, contemporary labels, vintage specialists and pre-loved sellers.
At the heart of the weekend is a huge programme of opportunities to ‘learn, make, mend, and transform.’
The Good Clothes Show returns to Manchester next month / Credit: Supplied
You’ll get to try everything from darning, sashiko, and crochet, to creating makeup bags, transforming shirts, and upcycling football tops. Or if you fancy something completely different, there’ll be a chance to make a fascinator from scrap materials, create a statement necklace, or give tired old shoes a spectacular new lease of life.
No matter whether you’re a complete beginner or already quite handy with a sewing needle, organisers say The Good Clothes Show it’s all about learning new skills and leaving inspired.
And this year, TV star Leigh Francis is joining the fun as the show’s special guest for the weekend too.
Get ready for a weekend of ‘fashion, shopping, and creativity’ / Credit: Supplied
There’s plenty happening beyond the shopping and workshops, as you can take a seat beside The Good Catwalk, get ideas and advice at The Style Stop, hear from fashion voices and changemakers, or simply stop for a glass of sparkling and compare shopping finds.
And it’s not just about the grown-ups either, as The Kids Club will encourage the next generation to discover design, textiles, and creativity through hands-on activities of their own.
The Good Clothes Show arrives at Manchester Central on Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 November 2026, and tickets are on sale here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Inside the beautiful, exclusive gym in the heart of Manchester that’s open to the public for the first time ever
Daisy Jackson
One of Manchester’s most exclusive and comprehensive boutique gyms has opened its doors to the public for the first time.
This hidden fitness space is within the Treehouse Hotel, which opened on a prime spot on Deansgate last year.
The beautiful gym space had only been accessible to hotel guests until now, who have been lucky to train on top-spec equipment while visiting Manchester.
But now Treehouse Hotel is welcoming in the wider public to The Playground, with a strictly limited number of memberships up for grabs – and we’ve got a lovely 50% off discount code for you too (more on that below).
With two membership options to choose from, members can enjoy 24/7 gym access, preferential rates on padel court hire and complimentary access to premium recovery equipment, alongside luxury changing facilities.
The space looks beautiful as well as being functional too, with huge skylights overhead and plenty of greenery on the walls.
At a time when Manchester is seeing changes to its boutique fitness scene, The Playground offers a chance to train in a design-led space that has everything you need to prioritise your health and fitness.
Inside The Playground gym at Treehouse Hotel. Credit: The Manc Group
The Technogym equipment inside The Playground at Treehouse Hotel includes two squat racks, cable machines, a leg press, free weights, a full suite of cardio equipment including stairmaster, rower and treadmills, plus a full track with a sled.
There’s also a studio area in one corner, with digital workouts ranging from pilates to HIIT.
And in the recovery zone, members can make use of Therabody RecoveryAir compression boots and Theragun massage devices, placing recovery on equal footing with performance.
There are two membership options available at The Playground, catering to different fitness and wellness needs.
Sprout Membership – £65 per month
The Sprout Membership includes 24/7 gym access, preferential rates on padel court hire throughout the week and complimentary use of the recovery equipment, including pneumatic compression boots and massage guns. Members can also enjoy private changing facilities, complimentary chilled towels and fresh fruit-infused water.
Treetop Membership – £80 per month
For those looking to make wellness a bigger part of their routine, the Treehouse Membership includes everything in the Sprout package, alongside a range of additional benefits.
Members receive 15% off Good Sauna sessions and plunge baths, as well as exclusive discounts on padel bookings, with 15% off weekday and 10% off weekend bookings.
The membership also includes discounts on selected wellness food, drinks and products, as well as one complimentary freshly prepared smoothie every month.
Theraguns in the recovery zoneMore machines at The Treehouse hotelGreat facilities in The Playground
With 24/7 access to the gym, additional wellness benefits and a premium recovery offering, The Playground provides a new way to stay active in the heart of Manchester.
You can get a whopping 50% off for your first month’s subscription with our code ‘THEMANC’.
The officer is valid for purchases made until 31 October 2026.
Emily Sergeant -
9th March 2023 
