Manchester Science Festival is back for 2024 later this week, and there’s loads of events on the lineup especially for adults.
In case you missed it, Manchester‘s massively-popular Science Festival confirmed that it would be making a grand return for 2024, and would be offering visitors the unique opportunity to become a genuine part of history through a wide range of hands-on events and activities – including getting to explore the extremes of nature, human capability, and creativity.
The full programme of immersive events for the exciting festival was released last month, and organisers say it’s all about “tackling the extremes of our world” this year.
📢 It’s here 📢
Our Festival line-up is officially here and it’s a packed one! We’ve got immersive installations, hands-on fun celebrating the extremes of science and exclusive adult-only events.
Manchester Science Festival – which is produced and staged at Manchester’s legendary Science and Industry Museum in the heart of the city centre every other year – is one of the UK’s largest and most popular science festivals.
The lineup for 2024 only goes to prove why that’s the case, as there’s something for people of all ages to get stuck into, but this time, we’re shining a spotlight on the events on the lineup that are only for the grown ups to get involved with.
Here’s some of the stand-out events.
Manchester Science Festival is back for 2024 next week / Credit: Science Museum Group
Conversation: Does AI have a place in space?
Science and Industry Museum
18 October – £7
This is your chance to join STEM champion, social entrepreneur, and computer scientist, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, and the UK Space Agency’s Head of Space Exploration, Libby Jackson OBE, as they discuss how their worlds collide, and explore important questions like can AI be applied to space exploration? What can you trust AI to do in space? and how will it better our lives back on Earth?.
The opportunities seem endless with the likes of rover navigation, satellite design and lasering space junk – but are we just talking science fiction? Or is this reality?
Cosmic Quiz
Science and Industry Museum
19 October – £7
Fancy being the star of the Cosmic Quiz? As part of a weekend curated by Dr Anne Marie Imafidon MBE and Libby Jackson OBE, this is your chance to compete for the top prize in a dynamic evening of surprise rounds, pop-up performances, and ‘laid-back cosmic vibes’, where you’ll be challenged on all things space and artificial intelligence.
Compete on your own, or with a team of up to four, in an out-of-this world event produced in collaboration with The Quiz Team, featuring specially-commissioned content from The Poetry Place.
There’s lots of adults-only events on the lineup / Credit: Science Museum Group)
Museum After Hours
Science and Industry Museum
26 October – £10
If you were hoping to explore everything on offer at the Science and Industry Museum without all the kids running around, then this is your chance, because one of the Museum’s most-popular events, Museum After Hours, is back for a special Manchester Science Festival edition, and it means you get to dive into a world of extremes and gain exclusive after-hours access to the headline experience, State of Mind.
You can explore Squidsoup’s immersive art installation set within the atmospheric 1830 Warehouse, move between rhythmic lights and sound in an abstract and playful representation of our digitised world, and even catch the premiere of new works from artists Liam Ashworth and Luca Agathogli, presented in partnership with Venture Arts.
The events bar will also be popping up on the night, and will be selling a range of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks to sip on while you explore.
Manchester Science Festival 2024 kicks off on Friday 18 October and runs right through to Sunday 27 October – with tickets now officially on sale, including to all of the adults-only events throughout the 10 days too.
Find out more and grab yourself some tickets here.
Featured Image – Drew Forsyth (via Science Museum Group)
Sponsored
Nike and go-to online running shoe suppliers confirmed as new sponsors for Altrincham 10k
Danny Jones
The annual Altrincham 10k just got a whole lot bigger and better ahead of this year’s run, as the annual race has just notched Nike as one of their new lead sponsors – and that’s not all.
Alty’s annual race is also being backed by SportsShoes.com, a.k.a. the go-to trainers supplier for so many runners, who will be presenting the 2025 edition in partnership with RunThroughUK.
Now part of RunThrough North‘s regular programme, Altrincham 10k continues to grow in size with each passing year, as demonstrated by getting such prestigious sponsors on board.
Taking place this weekend, the 2025 Alty 10k could just be the biggest yet.
We are thrilled to announce that we are teaming up with @Nike & @sportsshoes_com to bring the town an unforgettable race day 🤝
📅 Sunday 7th September 🏃 3,500 runners 👟 Closed roads ⚡️ Electric atmosphere
Set to welcome approximately 3,500 runners to the Trafford market town’s central streets, the Altrincham 10k is one of the final large-scale running events on the local calendar.
Aligning both famous brands with the heart of Altrincham’s running community and, indeed, giving Greater Manchester’s wider sports culture, it’s yet more prestige for 0161.
The 2025 race will also see Nike showcase its latest road running line-up, including the newest max cushioning shoe: the ‘Vomero Plus’; the responsive ‘Pegasus’ everyday trainer, as well as supportive ‘Structure’ model, meaning runners will get a chance to sample their latest styles.
As well as support from SportsShoes.com and official Nike ambassadors, North West native and GB triathlete Katie Halligan, Hits Radio presenter and ultra runner Hattie Pearson, as well as local Manc artist Emma Evans will all be there too.
These equally inspiring women have also been chosen to help represent Nike and RunThrough’s shared mission of attracting more female runners, as shown with events such asthe recent 2025 Women’s Run Series back in April.
Co-Founder of RunThrough, Matt Wood, said of the new partnership: “Welcoming Nike as title sponsor of the Altrincham 10K, alongside our long-standing partner SportsShoes.com, is a huge milestone for the event.
“This partnership highlights the growth of our community and the strength of our brand. We can’t wait to support the thousands of runners taking part in the Nike Altrincham 10K, Presented by SportsShoes.com.”
As for SportShoes, brand manager Gavin Bannister added: “The energy around this year’s 10K will be electric, and we can’t wait to see everyone out there chasing their goals and celebrating the power of running.
“From our own athletes to first-time runners, this event is all about showing up, pushing limits, and being part of something truly special, and that is what Nike and Sportsshoes.com are all about.”
Entries are still open for any of those interested in a last-minute place in the race on Sunday, 7 September – you can sign up HERE.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.
Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied
Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students.
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.
“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.
“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”
Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.
You can find more information and to book tickets here.
Emily Sergeant -
10th October 2024 
