There’s only a month left to catch the world-first exhibition exploring the revolution in science that’s transforming cancer care at the Science and Industry Museum.
Having opened to the public back in October 2021, over 31,000 people from across the UK have already visited the “major object-rich exhibition” that reveals the past, present, and future of how cancer is prevented, detected, and treated – which has been created by the Science Museum Group in partnership with Cancer Research UK at what is a key moment in time when one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime, but more of us than ever before are living longer and better with the disease.
The groundbreaking exhibition presents the stories of people affected by cancer, and those who study and treat it.
It does so through never-before seen objects and stories, cutting edge treatment and research, reflection, new artist commissions and installations, film, photography, interactive exhibits and a breadth of personal stories.
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The exhibition reveals how researchers, clinicians, policy makers, and patients are pushing progress in “a powerful expression of shared hope”.
It also shows far we’ve come by busting myths about the causes of cancer, to exploring how the disease isn’t unique to humans, and how the latest cancer research, early detection technologies and immunotherapies are advancing cancer care today, as well as revealing how cancer has been treated over the centuries, from high-risk surgeries, to the discovery of the first chemotherapy drugs – and the important challenges that still remain yet to be solved.
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There’s over 100 objects and personal stories included in the exhibition that reveal this groundbreaking journey of scientific discovery.
It’s been described by past visitors as “incredibly moving and uplifting”.
The exhibition shows far we’ve come by busting myths about the causes of cancer / Credit: Science Museum Group
You can also find out the story of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust’s transformative ‘Manchester Method for radiotherapy’ through never-before-seen objects, discover how virtual reality is being used to study cancer and shape treatments, and learn how the groundbreaking Manchester Lung Health Checks from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) are using mobile screening trucks at supermarkets to detect lung cancer in communities.
There’s also the chance to join over a thousand other visitors who have contributed their own experiences to a ‘Wall of Hope’.
Speaking on the success of the exhibition, Sally MacDonald – Director of the Science and Industry Museum said: “We have been moved, humbled and blown-away by the incredible feedback visitors are sharing with us.
“This is a very special exhibition experience on a subject which is resonating strongly.”
There's just one month to go until our world-first exhibition 'Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation and hope' closes on 27 March.
Cancer Revolution: Science, innovation and hope will run until Sunday 27 March, and it’s free to attend, but you’ll need to book either online or by calling 033 0058 0058.
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Looking for a more unique way to catch the exhibition?
This Wednesday 9 March, visitors can attend a special free ticketed museum after-hours event, A Shared Hope – which will combine art and science to explore the different ways in which cancer can affect our lives, and celebrate the people working to transform cancer care, from scientists and researchers to patients and their families and friends.
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
7th March 2022 
