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.
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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.
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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.”
Iconic boutique hotel in Manchester unveils stunning new look, including redesigned roof terrace
Daisy Jackson
An iconic hotel in Manchester that’s already home to a rooftop terrace, serene spa, private screening room, and dozens of beautiful boutique bedrooms has unveiled a new chapter.
King Street Townhouse is now ready to introduce 10 totally reimagined guest rooms, plus refined event spaces, all still honouring the building’s Grade II-listed heritage.
The boutique accommodation in the city centre has just unveiled this design refresh, coinciding with its recent 10th anniversary.
One of the major developments at the luxury hotel is the collection of 10 new Signature Guestrooms, each with its own unique character, defined by rich textures and curated art.
Beyond the quiet luxury of the new bedrooms, you’ll find newly reimagined event spaces, like its beautiful South Terrace and Lounge with panoramic skyline views which has always been popular for weddings, conferences, and other private events.
Now, the interiors flow seamlessly onto the terrace for an indoor-outdoor experience, with a sculptural feature bar and discreet flexible partitions.
Elsewhere in King Street Townhouse, the Mezzanine Lounge has also had a refurb, now offering bespoke seating and its own dedicated bar.
And that’s alongside all the long-loved features from the last decade, like The Tavern restaurant, the infinity pool, the private screening room, the gym, and the King Street Spa.
King Street Townhouse has refurbed its roof terraceThe new bar at King Street TownhouseThe refreshed Mezzanine Lounge One of the Signature GuestroomsDetails of the new barEach Signature Guestroom has its own characterThere are 10 redesigned bedrooms at King Street Townhouse
Viki Tahmasebi, CEO, THG Experience, said: “This marks an exciting new chapter for King Street Townhouse.
“Our vision has always been to create guest experiences that feel deeply personal and intuitively luxurious, and these enhancements further bring this to life.
“We’ve reimagined our spaces to reflect how our guests want to live, gather and unwind – building on what has long been cherished.”
You can see more and book a stay at the new-look King Street Townhouse HERE.
A free wedding show is returning to the spectacular Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall
Daisy Jackson
A beautiful wedding show is returning to the Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall next month, and it’s totally free to attend.
Rochdale Wedding Show (RWS) will bring together 40 different suppliers, showcasing everything from flowers and wedding cars to catering and cakes.
There’ll be food tastings, live music, and breathtaking wedding fashion to get stuck into when the event returns to Rochdale Town Hall on Sunday 17 May.
Organisers Rochdale Borough Council have brought together a huge line-up of businesses to help couples get inspired and organised for their big day.
Companies will be showing off the latest trends in bridalwear, menswear, and everything in between when it comes to wedding fashion.
Then you’ll be able to meet and browse suppliers for your flowers, your wedding transport, photography, venue dressing, cake design, hair and make-up, entertainment, jewellery, music, decorations, and even lighting.
And even if you’re in the very early stages of planning, you might be able to find your perfect wedding venue at the Rochdale Wedding Show, along with masses of inspiration to get started.
Many suppliers will be offering exclusive ‘show only’ offers on the day too, so you could make some big savings.
Experts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questions, whether you’re looking for something traditional, a more contemporary theme, or a civil ceremony.
If the surroundings of RWS have caught your eye, good news – you can get married at the Rochdale Town Hall itself, and you will be able to take a look around the building on the day.
That includes the accommodation inside the nearby Rochdale Register Office, which includes a 70-seat ceremony room, the Red Rose Suite, which holds marriage and civil partnership ceremonies.
Classic and contemporary wedding cars will be on display at Rochdale Wedding ShowEnjoy a taste of wedding bands and DJs at Rochdale Wedding ShowA complimentary glass of fizz and canapes will be served to guests on arrival.Hair and beauty experts will be at Rochdale Wedding ShowToastmaster Alan CalowLooking for inspiration? At the show there will be many ideas for things you may not have even considered having at your wedding, yet!Meet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersExperts will be on hand to offer advice and answer questionsThe bar on the first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktailsMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersMeet beautiful, stylish and inspiring suppliersCompanies will be exhibiting the latest collections and trends in bridal wear, formal menswear and everything in betweenVisitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurantRochdale Wedding Show will be in the stunning Rochdale Town Hall, itself a popular wedding venue
Guests will be greeted with a complimentary glass of fizz and canapes, and in between wedding planning, visitors are welcome to try the acclaimed Martlet Kitchen restaurant, where there’ll be hearty Sunday roasts with all the trimmings on offer.
The first-floor bar will also be open for love-themed cocktails, including a Passion Fizz, Blushed and Frisky, and Love Bite, plus other drinks and snacks.
Events manager Charlotte Preston says: “Rochdale Wedding Show is the ultimate afternoon out for anyone looking to look at their options ahead of the big day.
“Whether you are in the early stages of planning or your wedding is rapidly approaching, this is a must-attend event to get ideas and inspiration, meet the experts and relax with friends and family.”
No need to book tickets, entry is free, just turn up and browse – you can find out more HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd June 2025 
