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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A huge, free wedding fair is taking place at the beautiful Rochdale Town Hall this spring
Thomas Melia
A huge wedding fair is taking placelater this year in Rochdale and the best part is, it’s completely free.
Weddings are notoriously tricky to plan and when everyone around you keeps calling it ‘the big day’, it can feel very daunting knowing where to begin.
Rochdale has got you covered as not only are they putting together a huge wedding fair at the beautiful, recently transformed Rochdale Town Hall, you don’t have to spend a single penny to attend.
This show is a returning event for the Greater Manchester borough and it usually attracts hundreds of visitors from across the region and beyond, eager to check out more than 40 different suppliers.
There will be experts on hand to give advice and answer any queries you may be having about making sure your wedding day runs smoothly.
Weddings at Rochdale Town Hall. Credit: Natalie Parker Photography
A catwalk will also be taking place with presentations at two set times, 12.30pm and 2pm, where models will be wearing different designer dresses and showing off all the latest collections.
Every aspect of the wedding process is covered at this fair from photographers, car rentals, catering, cake designers, entertainment and more – anything you could possibly need to get hitched without a hitch will all be here in one room.
As you walk round this special event, guests may even find they’ve found something they didn’t even know they needed yet.
Weddings at Rochdale Town Hall. Credit: Natalie Parker Photography
Anyone looking to celebrate the fair in style can taste the various cocktails made available on the first floor venue, The Zodiac Bar, with snacks on hand too.
There’s also opportunities for attendees who are considering tying the knot at Rochdale Town Hall itself to preview ‘The Wedding Dressing Room’.
This is a private space that features stylish dressing tables and spotlight mirrors, and also offers the Bride and bridal party an area to ‘freshen up’ and take some time out to relax.
The Rochdale Wedding Show is happening on Sunday 2 March and anyone interested in attending this event can find all the detailsHERE.
Featured Image: Supplied, Natalie Parker Photography
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Fashion brand Blake Mill to host pop-up shop in Manchester this month
Thomas Melia
Bold and stylish fashion brand Blake Mill are hosting a pop up shop later this month and it’s happening right here in Manchester.
Well renowned for their unique British designs, Blake Mill is running an exclusive event in collaboration withthe wonderful charity Mind.
Through this pop up shop, guests will be able to discover the wide range of designs and styles that are featured on their cherished shirts and polo shirts.
ThisManchester based fashion company aims to make anyone who wears their products stand out from the crowd whether that’s a plain and simple block colour or some quirky and eye-catching patterns.
Mental health charity Mind, who are also involved in the pop up shop, will be receiving 10% of the money made from each shirt, which will be used towards supporting people struggling with their mental health.
The mental health organisation have a variety of resources including their online and over the phone helpline which can be accessed from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
What better way to celebrate sprucing up your wardrobe than also knowing you’ve helped contribute to an outstanding and dependable charity too.
Alongside hosting the event, the polo shirt specialists are also running limited offers including 70% off a handful of Blake Mill collections – it would be rude not to.
There’s going to be lots of interactive fun as well with a digital ‘Wheel of Fortune’ where each contestant is guaranteed to win prizes, including Blake Mill merchandise.
Everyone who decides to pay the event a visit will bag themselves a complimentary gift in the form of a Blake Mill t-shirt.
It’s hungry work finding your latest office and party attire, that’s why there will be an upstairs room dedicated to refreshments and snacks, clothes and food.
Blake Mill’s special pop up shop with Mind is taking place on 30 January from 11am to 1pm at Fourways House, for more information about the fashion company and their chosen charity find outHERE.
Emily Sergeant -
9th March 2023 
