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.
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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.
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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.
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“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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Manchester City are hosting special Christmas-themed tours of the Etihad Stadium
Danny Jones
Manchester City FC’s critically acclaimed stadium tour is about to get super festive, as the Etihad Stadium are now hosting special Christmas-themed walks around the ground.
You’ve watched the tales of the ‘Centurions’, ‘Treble winners, the ‘Fourmidables’, and plenty of other ‘Cityzen’ stories play out in front of you, but have you visited the hallowed halls while their decked doughs of holly for yourself?
Well, now’s your chance.
Hosting a series of exclusive festive tours around the Etihad this month, Man City fans, club-obsessed kids, and football fanatic tourists in general can take a walk around the impressive sporting arena for the perfect early Christmas present.
In addition to being able to walk around the famous home of the Blues, sit in the home team dressing room and see the trophy cabinet, fans of all ages can now field questions with virtual Pep and Haaland in their very own press conference, before walking down the tunnel, into the dugout and sitting pitchside.
Once you’ve finished warming up the gaffer’s very own seat (they’re actually already heated), supporters can look forward to a brand-new dancing light display, plus more heartwarming entertainment in the form of Christmas carol audio recorded by Manchester’s very own Hallé Youth Choir.
As if that wasn’t enough, ‘Beyond the Blue Moon’ VR experiences and special ‘Etihad After Dark’ tours will be available, too, giving people from all over and of all ages an extra opportunity to turn up and make the most of this truly global club.
You can even grab a warming mulled wine or hot Vimto during the evening slots to keep your hands nice and toasty as you go around – be rude not to.
Rumour has it Santa may have left a gift lying around each day, too. Safe to say that puts our Advent calendar this year to shame…
Credit: Man City (supplied)
Here’s hoping he doesn’t get a telling off for wearing red…
Evening tours at the Eithad will be held from 5:30 and 6pm on 7, 12, 14, 18, 22 and December, and the main slot will be running all the way up until Christmas Eve (24 Dec).
You can even grab a warming mulled wine or hot Vimto to keep your hands nice and toasty as you go around – be rude not to.
Tickets start from only £26 per person and family passes are priced at just £60.
Better still, you can even spring for the VIP package if you fancy: a two-hour experience that is one of the most interactive and immersive you’ll find anywhere.
The Etihad Stadium is currently in the middle of a huge redevelopment, both in terms of size and things to do around the wider Campus, with the expanded North Stand not only seeing matchday fan capacity increased to over 60k, but a new club shop, sky bar, hotel, and a rooftop walk being added.
With that in mind, it’s no wonder that the already award-winning City stadium tours are simultaneously seeing an upgrade over the holiday period.
Being given the Tripadvisor seal of approval once again last year, as the club were once again recognised in the Travellers’ Choice ‘Best of the Best’ – putting them not just in the top three stadium tours in the UK but in the top 1% of the most highly rated in the world – things are only getting bigger.
You can find out full availability, timings and where to get tickets right HERE.
Manchester’s iconic Rylands building is being reborn – and the developers want to hear from you
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s iconic Rylands building, formerly home to the Debenhams department store, is being reborn.
And now the developers working on its new chapter want Mancunians to weigh in on which businesses we want to see in the landmark building.
The transformation of Rylands Manchester will honour the heritage character of the building, which dates back to 1932, but will introduce contemporary design and a list of residents that’s bang up to date for our modern city centre.
The plans include building a four-storey extension with panoramic city views and a bright, central atrium. When it completes, this Grade II-listed art deco building will bring together workspace, retail, and leisure, right at the beating heart of town between the Northern Quarter, Piccadilly, Manchester Arndale, and the central business district.
Standing proudly at the top of Market Street, this next era for Rylands will establish it as an exciting new destination in the heart of town when its phased completion begins from late 2026.
Already confirmed to be moving in is Market Place Food Hall with its first northern location, which has signed on for a 15 year lease to occupy the ground floor of Rylands.
Market Place Food Hall is already confirmed to be moving into RylandsRylands is entering a new era
But now Rylands are putting it back to locals to ask what shops, restaurants, or cafes we’d love to see moving in.
It could be a high street hero you’ve loved for years, an independent business you’ve fallen for, or a foodie spot you return to time and time again.
Your ideas could help to shape the future of this landmark building and make it a destination us Mancs can be proud of.
And if you submit your suggestions in the comments of THIS Instagram post, you could be in with a chance of winning a £100 Love2Shop voucher (make sure you’re following @Rylands_manchester for a chance to win).
Emily Sergeant -
9th March 2023 
