More than 100 objects and stories collected during the peak of the pandemic are to go on display as part of a new exhibition opening in Manchester.
Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum is preparing to open its doors to a major new exhibition that examines the global and local response to the COVID-19 pandemic that changed the world as we know it.
The groundbreaking new exhibition, titled Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine, will explore the worldwide effort to develop vaccines at pandemic speed, while uncovering the inspiring stories of scientists and innovators around the globe who collaborated to tackle the worldwide COVID-19 challenge along the way.
The exhibition comes to Manchester as part of a national and international tour, following its inaugural run at the Science Museum in London back in 2022.
The race for a COVID vaccine will be explored in a new Science and Industry Museum exhibition / Credit: Science Museum Group
Opening at the city centre-based museum next Friday (19 July), and set to run right through until mid-November this year, the free-to-attend exhibition will also look at the unique experiences and responses to the pandemic from communities in Manchester.
It’ll do this through showcasing a wide range of fascinating objects and stories that’ll be on public display in our city for the first time ever.
Some of the objects curious Mancs will get to see with their own eyes at the new exhibition include one of the 750 innovative flat-pack beds used in the NHS Nightingale Hospital North West, the vial of the first COVID-19 vaccine ever to be administered worldwide, and tokens taken from Manchester’s Rates Hall vaccine centre.
Personal items belonging to those at the heart of the vaccine’s development, and breathtaking artwork pieces by Angela Palmer and Junko Mori to help visitors visualise the virus, will also be on display.
But, what is expected to the star of the show for many Mancunians, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s navy worker’s jacket – which has been loaned from People’s History Museum – that he often wore as he addressed the region directly to discuss the tough restrictions we were placed under as COVID-19 cases increased, will be displayed for the first time at the exhibition.
The now-iconic jacket became a symbol of the hardships experienced during the pandemic, as well as the unity of the North West.
More than 100 objects and stories will be on display to the Manchester public for the first time / Credit: Science Museum Group
Museum bosses say Injecting Hope “builds on the fascinating and important work” the Science Museum Group – which the Science and Industry Museum belongs to – has undertaken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past four years.
Andrea Lathrop, who is the Associate Curator of Exhibitions at the Science and Industry Museum, explains that the new Manchester-focused content introduced as part of the exhibition’s run in our city offers a “poignant opportunity for joint reflection”, as well as “moments to celebrate the ingenuity, resilience, and selflessness” of local people.
She continued: “Injecting Hope is a people-centred exhibition that shines a light on those behind the headlines who innovated vaccine science, sat in bed on their laptops, volunteered in vaccine centres, and exposed themselves to the virus day after day to keep us safe.”
Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID-19 vaccine will open at the Science and Industry Museum on Friday 19 July, and will run until Sunday 17 November.
Free tickets are now available to book on the museum’s website here.
Featured Image – Science Museum Group
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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 July 2024 
