Exhibitions that explore the power of music, and give you the chance to try out an interactive “hands on” gaming experience are just some of the activities on offer at the Science and Industry Museum this winter.
With the festive season right around the corner, and a chill settling in the Manchester air, the Science and Industry Museum is not just an ideal place to escape the cold in the heart of the city centre, but there’s also a whole host of immersive experiences and exciting activities you can get stuck into when schools are out for winter break in a couple of weeks.
The award-winning museum is inviting people to take a journey from the Sun back to the Earth in a brand-new science show led by the museum’s team of expert Explainers.
You can discover how light travels through our atmosphere, the science of solar flares, and the secrets behind the Northern Lights, while also getting the chance to get hands-on with a range of light-themed activities, tinker with shadows, and even experiment with reflections and colours to create their own miniature light show.
One of the most popular exhibitions currently on at the museum is Turn It Up: The power of music – a world-first event giving those curious the chance to explore the science of music’s mysterious hold over us through a series of “immersive musical experiences and interactive activities” at a specially-commissioned ‘musical playground’.
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There’s interactive gaming, and world-first music exhibitions to get stuck into at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester this winter / Credit: Science Museum Group
Of course, there’s also still time to head on down and check out the stand-out interactive gaming experience, Power UP – where players can enjoy the very-best video games from the past five decades, and try out over a hundred different consoles to rediscover childhood favourites and test out some of the latest developments in virtual reality.
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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Aside from those current exhibitions, the Museum is also hosting a series of special pop-up events on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 December with Winter Sprites from street theatre company Curious Cargo stopping by to share their enchanting knowledge of ice and snow.
Then, on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 January, Shadowgraph extraordinaire Drew Colby will be performing his renowned Hand Shadow show using the magic of light to share this ancient art.
Take your pick from a whole host of immersive experiences and exciting activities / Credit: Science Museum Group
And to round-out what is an impressive winter schedule, for those looking for something a little different this festive season, you can also watch the first of a series of ‘CHRISTMAS LECTURES’ from the Royal Institution on Tuesday 13 December, ahead of its broadcast on the BBC – where Professor Dame Sue Black gives what is being described as “an unprecedented insight” into her role as one of the world’s leading forensic investigators.
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Alongside the lecture screening, audiences can also enjoy a series of interactive activities to discover more about forensic science and how it is used.
Looking for something different this festive season?
Join us for a live screening of the first of the @Ri_Science's #XmasLectures! Discover the secrets of forensic science with Professor Dame Sue Black.
The Science and Industry will be closed from 24-25 December 2022, and on 1 January 2023, but will be open to the public aside from that throughout November and December until early January, and you can find out more and book tickets in advance now.
Book tickets either through the museum’s website here, or by calling 033 0058 0058.
Featured Image – Science Museum Group
Kids & Family
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 21 – 27 April 2025
Emily Sergeant
We’ve got just one more bank holiday left before it’s back to school and back to the grind.
But even though the Easter break may be over and done with, and it won’t be long before April is too, there’s still absolutely no shortage of things for the whole family to be getting up to in Greater Manchester this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though?
We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide, both free things, and those that’ll set you back a few pennies too.
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The Giant Egg Hunt
RHS Garden Bridgewater
Monday 21 – Sunday 27 April
The Giant Easter Egg Hunt / Credit: RHS
The Giant Egg Hunt is back at RHS Garden Bridgewater this spring school holidays.
Running from 10am to 4pm daily, and suitable for children aged three and up, visitors are invited to follow the hunt around the Salford-based garden to find the hidden giant eggs, and once you’ve spotted them all, you’ll be rewarded with a free chocolatey treat to take home with you.
This year the trail is more exciting than ever too, because children have a special quest and ‘egg-nigma code’ to crack.
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You / Credit: Science Museum Group
You can plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses at a new immersive museum exhibition that’s now arrived at the Science and Industry Museum.
Back by popular demand after a successful run over these past two years, but with a fresh new adventure lined up for 2025, Operation Ouch! is giving you the chance to journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
Tickets to Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You are now on sale, and visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.
Looking for more activities to do with your little Mancs at the Science and Industry Museum during the spring season?
Science shows, sensory activities, and a chance to discover what life is like for animals, are just some of the things you can do at one of the region’s best loved museums, as well as dive into five decades of retro gaming.
Visitors can enjoy a host of Easter-themed workshops designed to delight all ages at Trafford Palazzo this bank holiday weekend.
There’s everything from Easter egg and Easter bunny headband decorating workshops, to spring garland making, biscuit decorating, Easter card making classes, and loads of other wholesome activities to get involved with across the four-day weekend.
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There’s even a chance to meet some Easter characters too, like Trafford Palazzo’s very-own Maximus bear giving out big hugs, and, of course, the Easter bunny.
Now that schools are out, families can get themselves one of Oxygen at MediaCity’s Easter Holiday Pass, which gives pass holders the chance to visit the newly-opened £2.5m indoor activity park on any five days of the two-week break for 60 minutes of ‘Open Play’.
Weekends and bank holidays are also included in the pass, so there’s plenty of time to go.
Mary Poppins / Credit: ATG Tickets | Daniel Boud (via Unsplash)
Mary Poppins is now back on stage in Manchester as part of its UK tour.
Two decades after the world premiere in Bristol, and subsequent record-breaking run of productions around the world ever since, one of the best-loved musicals of all time has flown back into our city and landed on the iconic Palace Theatre stage.
Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the story of the world’s favourite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical than ever before, featuring dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.
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Australian stars, Stefanie Jones and Jack Chambers, are both reprising their roles as Mary Poppins and Bert.
A Knight’s Tale has been turned into a comedy musical.
A Knight’s Tale may be one of Chaucer’s most well-known Canterbury Tales, but for most of us, we tend to be more familiar with Brian Helgeland’s iconic 2001 medieval action comedy film of the same name instead, which of course starred the late great Heath Ledger, alongside Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell, Mark Addy, and more.
And its the latter that has now been reimagined for the modern day and turned into a brand-new comedy stage musical that’s charging into Manchester this month.
Did you see that one of Greater Manchester’s popular museums has been named the best free museum in the UK?
Now that schools are out for spring, plenty of parents, carers, and guardians across Greater Manchester will likely be looking for a ways to keep the kids entertained and educated while schools are out, and without having to break the bank too.
Luckily enough, Bolton Museum has taken the top spot in a list of the best free museums and galleries to visit in the whole of the UK.
Bolton Museum has been crowned the best free museum to visit in the UK / Credit: Bolton Council
The museum – which is on the Grade II-listed Le Mans Crescent in the town centre, and dates back to 1852 – has been a part of the leisure and education of Boltonians for over 120 years, and is home to one of the largest regional Egyptology collections in the UK, made up of over 10,000 archaeological objects.
There’s also an extensive local history section, with 38,000 objects from the 17th to 20th century relating to Bolton.
How about that Chester Zoo is giving away more than 30,000 free tickets to kids this year?
The UK’s largest charity zoo is on a mission to help nature to “survive and thrive”.
And so, in a bid to do just that, has announced that it will once again be handing out tens of thousands of tickets to schoolchildren for completely free of charge, so that they can explore the zoo up close and learn all about the inspiring work the conservation charity does.
With the hopes of empowering as many youngsters as possible, and sparking their passion for saving species once again, the zoo has now opened the scheme back up for the 2025/26 season – with a whopping 33,000 tickets available for schools, nurseries, and colleges to claim.
Those who secure tickets will have the opportunity to visit the zoo between this November and February 2026.
Even better yet, did you see that Chester Zoo has also recently opened a magnificent new African savannah habitat?
One of the largest habitats of its kind in the UK – spanning an area the size of 17 football pitches (22.5 acres) – Heart of Africa is home to dozens of African species, including giraffes, rhino, zebra, vultures, and meerkats.
Not everyone has little Mancs in their lives, and even if they do, it doesn’t mean you can’t take some time for yourself, so here are some more spring activity suggestions to entertain or flex those creative muscles across Greater Manchester.
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Bento Cake Workshop
Vanilla Ice Cakes
Bento Cake Workshop / Credit: The Manc Group
How cute is this? We’ve discovered a little workshop over in Chorlton where you can ice, pipe, garnish, and decorate a miniature bento cake just the way you want it, with the help of the experts at Vanilla Ice Cakes.
You can whip up your dream colour buttercream, personalise your fillings, and learn brand-new skills before heading home with this adorable little celebration cake of your own.
At Vanilla Ice Cakes in Chorlton, you’ll sit under the expert eye of owner Fiza, a master baker who’s been in the game for more than a decade, and she’ll guide you (and sometimes step in to help you) as you fumble your way through decorating your own cake.
Sken Studios might just be the most wholesome way to spend an afternoon in Greater Manchester.
Ran by the legend that is Sabira, she’ll guide you through the workshop, teaching you the proper techniques necessary to carve your ring out of wax.
The rings are completely customisable and can feature whatever kind of shape and design you feel most inspired by, then once the workshop is over, your ring is sent off to be cast in either silver or gold and a few weeks later is delivered straight to your doorstep.
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Make a Bear Brick
Blank Studio
Make a Bear Brick / Credit: The Manc Group
Put down the paint brush, because at this workshop, it’s all about free-pouring paint over adorable new best friends.
This is Blank Studio, tucked away down at the Maker’s Quarter in KAMPUS, and if you’re looking for something different to try in Manchester, then this is a great (and very satisfying) activity to try your hand at.
You pick your paint colours and your character-shaped brick (from bears and rabbits, to balloon dogs and more), then get pouring to create beautiful custom marble effects.
Could this be the most satisfying activity in Manchester? We think so.
This new Manchester restaurant has just one rule for you… cut your pizza with scissors.
Our city has been blessed by the pizza gods yet again, and Forbici is not messing around, as this newbie is taking the Italian delicacy very seriously with no shortcuts.
NEW OPENING – Lina Stores / Credit: The Manc Group
An 80-year-old London icon has finally landed in the North… welcome to town, Lina Stores.
This stunning Italian restaurant, deli, and bar is almost ready to open, with absolutely masses of treats on offer, from breakfast, all the way through to sundowner cocktails.
We tucked into a gorgeous array of starters such as the burrata and focaccia, and crudo di tonno, before enjoying tagliolini al tartufo, or ravioli con burrata, all washed down well with some summery signature cocktails. Oh, and who could say no to a tiramisu or cannoli? Not us.
The UK’s second largest marathon and one of Europe’s largest, this is an iconic event drawing participants from all over the world to the vibrant streets of Greater Manchester – with everyone from from superb elite runners, to those who thought completing a marathon would never be possible, taking on the 26.2 mile challenge.
2024 saw 32,000 people sign up, but this Sunday, a record-high of 36,000 runners will take part with all places sold out more than five months before the event.
An all-day fanzone is also being set up in the city too, and you can find out more here.
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Featured Image – Manchester Marathon | The Manc Group
Kids & Family
A brand-new immersive ‘walking theatre’ and XR experience has landed in Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
We hear the word immersive thrown around a lot these days, but if the notion of walking through some of your favourite fantasy and sci-fi worlds in a state-of-the-art XR tour doesn’t fit the definition, we don’t know what does.
Get ready to pull on a headset and be dropped into a different universe, Mancs.
This is Immersia XR: an industry-leading immersive entertainment and XR (extended reality) experience has just been unveiled right here in Greater Manchester.
Anyone for a ride on a magic carpet?
Credit: The Manc GroupCredit: Immersia XR (supplied)
Immersia XR specialises in what they call ‘Walking XR Theatre – a new term for a new kind of experience’, and boasts big plaudits across the board, with an average Google rating of 4.8 from dozens of reviews already.
Having just made its Manchester debut to the public at Trafford Palazzo (located right next to 0161’s famous Trafford Centre) this summer, the new addition brings cutting-edge technology blended with iconic family-favourite tales in an “unforgettable walk-through format.”
A lucky few have been treated to our first time, including us here at The Manc, and you’ll have to take our word for it when we tell you it’s a truly incredible experience.
It’s the first of its kind in the UK and Europe, and although there are other similar VR and AR offerings around the region, you won’t find anything quite like ‘walking theatre’ and this free-roam experience.
Credit: Supplied
As you can see above, there are a number of experiences to be enjoyed right from the off, including two modes inspired by childhood classics, Alice in Wonderland and Tales of Aladdin.
Ever fancied trying your hand as an astronaut and walking on the surface of the moon as you look back at the Earth below? Course you have! No training involved in this one, either.
Take that, Katy Perry, you can keep your short-lived Blue Origin nonsense to yourself.
Immersia XR’s ambition doesn’t stop there, though, as they are also preparing to introduce the exciting new ‘Terracotta Army’ experience in the near future.
Here’s a glimpse at how it looks inside the goggles:
Already open to the public and running up until Sunday, 6 July 2025, Immersia XR is fun for all ages, with kid-friendly zones and accessible narratives built into the experience.
Best of all, there are actually very few bells and whistles; no screens, no controllers – it’s just you walking through the story of your choice.
Immersia XR’s founder, Ian Xiang, said: “We’re not just launching a new attraction—we’re pioneering the future of storytelling. Walking XR Theatre is where cinema, theatre, and technology converge to create magic. You don’t just watch the story—you walk through it.”
Tickets are on sale now, with adult prices starting from only £17, children (ages 3–15) from just £12, and family tickets (2 adults, 2 kids) from £54. Great value for money.
Concession tickets are also available for students and over-65s, priced from £16, and group bookings of 10 or more receive 10% off. You can even get 20% off all ticket types with the early bird code: PRESS20. You can grab yours HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
18th November 2022 
