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.
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.
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.
“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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Nostalgic ready-to-drink Breezer makes UK return after a decade
Daisy Jackson
An iconic ready-to-drink favourite has launched back into the UK – oh yes, Breezer is back.
First launched in the 1990s, Breezers – then pitched as an ‘alcopop’ – were a staple on dancefloors and at barbecues right across the UK.
And now Bacardi has decided to bring these delicious, fruity, easy-drinking bottles back to British shores.
There are three new flavours to try as Breezers return to your fridges – Zesty Orange, Zingy Lime, and Crisp Watermelon.
And Breezer launched back into Manchester last night with a suitably memorable party, turning a spot in the Northern Quarter into a corner shop.
The ‘local Cornerbop’ was stacked with your usual essentials, plus shelf after shelf of these colourful glass ready-to-drink bottles.
Inside the Breezer ‘Cornerbop’ corner shop in ManchesterBreezer is back, in three new flavours
The Breezer relaunch party saw Tarsza and Rennie Peters spinning nostalgic anthems with a modern twist at a pop-up party in a corner shop.
Steve Young, business unit director for Bacardi in the UK & Ireland, said: “We know there is a lot of love for Breezer in the UK, and we are confident a new generation of consumers will fall in love with the new Breezer.
“RTDs are booming, however, the Flavoured Alcoholic Beverages category could do with a bit more excitement. By bringing back Breezer we’re definitely putting the fruity taste into FAB.”
The iconic ready-to-drink classic is back – and better than ever.
Outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx to open flagship store in Manchester this week
Daisy Jackson
Premium outdoor clothing brand Arc’teryx is opening its first brand store in Manchester this week – and its first UK shop outside of London.
In the brand new two-storey retail space, shoppers will find everything they need for their outdoor adventures, whether it’s hiking, climbing, or snow sports.
The new store will be packed with technical, high-performance outerwear and equipment, from footwear, packs and accessories to Arc’teryx harnesses you can try out in-store.
Everything is designed with a commitment to perform in even the most demanding of environments – and yes, that includes the brutal rain of the North West of England…
It’s a fitting location for Arc’teryx to open a milestone new store, just 25 miles from the Peak District and the gritstone climbs that helped to shape trad climbing in the UK.
Inside the 567 sq metre shop on New Cathedral Street, there’ll also be a ReBIRD™ Service Centre that will offer free gear repair, care, and washing services, ensuring your equipment stays in peak condition season after season.
That’s alongside a dedicated Community Area designed for events, movie nights, and gatherings, plus a local map that highlights the best spots for climbing, hiking and trail running around Manchester.
UK athletes and local ambassadors will be sharing their favourite places to visit, inspiring your next adventure.
Once inspiration strikes, you can pick up a local trail book in the community area, and buy these top-of-the-range bits of kit, choosing from Arc’teryx’s core assortment, including trail and climb gear, with snow gear to follow.
Local artists will be on hand to create inspirational artworks, starting in July with an installation from NOTS.
Sven Radtke, General Manager Arc’teryx EMEA, said: “Manchester is a vibrant urban hub that serves as a launchpad for outdoor enthusiasts. Its proximity to diverse natural landscapes makes it a gateway to the outdoors and a haven for hiking, climbing and other activities.
“Our goal is to help our core communities get out, doing what they love, equipped with the most high-performance gear to reach their goals.”
The Canadian brand is already distributing products through more than 2,400 locations worldwide, but this new Manchester opening is a key milestone for adventurers in the UK.
Arc’teryx opens on 6 New Cathedral Street on Thursday 10 July.
OPENING HOURS
Mon – Sat: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM
To celebrate the opening, Arc’teryx is running a series of events and experiences:
10 July – Store opens
17 July – Grand Opening Party (RSVP opens on 11 July and will be linked on Instagram @arcteryxuk)
Emily Sergeant -
9th March 2023 
