The Science and Industry Museum has unveiled its programme of free activities for the summer, and it looks set to be a ‘summer of senses’.
With the summer holidays right around the corner, and schools across Greater Manchester and beyond set to be out in a couple of weeks time, parents and carers will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids educated and entertained at the same time, especially if the unpredictable Manchester weather continues to show itself.
Even better if the activities are suitable for mini Mancs of all ages, and you don’t have to break the bank too much either.
By far one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle with your little ones in the city centre, the Science and Industry Museum has got a spectacular summer holiday programme packed with all sorts of things to be getting up to.
With events running from 19 July to 31 August, whether it’s disco dancing around a giant brain, unveiling the science behind optical illusions, or journeying through a giant ear canal, there’s something for everyone during the museum’s ‘sense-sational’ summer.
The Science and Industry Museum has unveiled its ‘summer of senses’ programme / Credit: Science Museum Group
The ‘Bogie Lab’ is where all the action’s happening, as it will be full of sticky surprises for visitors wanting to explore more about their sense of smell.
Interactive workshops will aim to inspire future scientists by giving them the chance to unearth the ‘brilliance of bogies’, and visitors can get hands-on with this ‘magical mucus’ by creating their very own pot of snot to take home.
Our senses of sight and sound will also be examined in a brand-new interactive Explainer experience, unpicking optical and audio illusions that ‘bamboozle’ our brains.
Stay tuned as there’s also set to be another live appearance from presenter of Operation Ouch!, Dr Xand, due to be announced soon.
If learning about the senses isn’t really your bag though, then you can explore five decades of play in the ultimate gaming experience, Power Up instead, and discover just how far computer games have come over the years.
There’s dozens of free activities happening across the six-week holidays / Credit: Science Museum Group
“We’re celebrating the summer by exploring the snotty science behind Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You,” commented Tash Camberwell, who is the Interpretation and Content Developer at the Science and Industry Museum.
“With activities from disco dancing to exhilarating experiments and brain boggling illusions, you won’t want to miss this summer of fun.
“Everyone is welcome for six weeks of family fun celebrating our amazing bodies, how our brilliant brains see the world, and the surprising significance of snot. We’ve got brains, we’ve got bogies, now all we need is you.”
Northern Quarter favourite The Pen and Pencil announces massive 10th birthday party and huge offers
Daisy Jackson
The Pen and Pencil, an absolute staple for brunches and drinks in the Northern Quarter, is celebrating a major milestone this month with a huge party and some unbeatable deals.
The bar and restaurant will be marking 10 years on Tariff Street in September – and it’s only right that we all pile in to celebrate with them.
This spot is one of the city’s original bottomless brunch venues and is similarly famed for its happy hour offerings, and opened in 2015 to bring a taste of Manhattan to Manchester.
Pen and Pencil took its name from the infamous New York City bar that was seen in Mad Men.
And now as it turns 10 years old, it’ll be throwing one big party on Saturday 27 September, featuring 10 hours of DJs, free pints of Red Stripe at 10pm, and a special bottomless brunch offering.
Those DJing on the day will include Drag Race UK’s Banksie, as well as Les Croasdaile, Mark Hogg, Danny Ward and A Deeper Groove.
Pen & Pencil has amazing deals for its 10th birthdayPen & Pencil is a Northern Quarter OG
The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party will kick off from 2pm and run until late – but if you can’t make that one, there’ll be celebrations all week (and, indeed, month) long.
On Tuesday 23 September, you’ll be able to play for double prize money in The Pen and Pencil quiz, as well as enjoying happy hour drinks all night.
Then on Friday 26 September, it’ll be an all-night happy hour, with free tequila shots at 10pm and music from DJs Nev Johnson and Gareth James from 7pm.
All September long, there’ll be 50% off food every Monday, two-for-£10 cocktails every Wednesday, £10 burgers every Thursday, happy hour all night on Fridays, 10 dishes for £10 and two bloody Marys for £10 on Sundays, plus DJs on Fridays and Saturdays.
There’s a new colourful art installation outside the venue inspired by the bar’s New York roots.
Owner Kevin Connor said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating being part of the Manchester community for ten years!
“New York’s Pen and Pencil was a classic steak and cocktail joint, and we’re proud to have created our very own iconic Northern Quarter hangout. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating ten years on Tariff Street.”
Walk-ins are welcome for The Pen and Pencil 10th birthday party on Saturday 27 September, but booking is encouraged – book your spot HERE.
Featured image: The Manc Group
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Strictly Come Dancing favourite Oti Mabuse is hosting a free dance class in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
One of Strictly Come Dancing’s best-loved professionals, Oti Mabuse, is going to be hosting a free family dance class in Printworks this month.
The two-time Strictly champion will be getting Mancs jiving and waltzing with a fun and inclusive workshop, geared towards all ages and abilities.
Whether you’ve got a little one desperate to boogie or have two left feet yourself but love to dance, this event is for you.
Oti will be bringing her world-class moves and infectious energy to Printworks, dancing beneath Europe’s largest digital ceiling just in time for the show’s glittering premiere, screened on the huge gaming screen.
After your own dancing workshop you can watch Strictly Come Dancing’s first show as the new cast of celebs and professionals hit the famous dance floor.
The evening will kick off at 6.10pm on Saturday 20 September, with a dance class led by Oti followed by the launch episode screened on the giant Printworks gaming screen.
Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse. Credit: Michael WharleyOti will lead a dance class beneath the digital ceiling at Printworks
Ahead of the event, Oti Mabuse said: “I’m so excited to be coming to Manchester’s Printworks! It’s such an iconic venue, and I can’t wait to feel everyone’s energy and see how the city comes alive here – show me what you’ve got!”
Kristian Brennan, Marketing Manager at Printworks, said: “Printworks is the ultimate city centre destination for anyone ready to catch the Strictly fever.
“Europe’s largest digital ceiling will feature bold, bright and energy-inducing content to compliment the unique dance class led by the dancing queen herself Oti Mabuse, it’s set to be an unforgettable experience.”
Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the UK’s most celebrated (and twice-decorated with the glitterball trophy) performers – book your spot HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd June 2025 
