To celebrate 40 years since opening on its original site right in the heart of Manchester city centre, the massively-popular cultural destination is set to mark four decades of inspiring visitors with “ideas that change the world” this weekend through a whole host of interactive activities that won’t cost you a penny.
Since it opened at its current home in Castlefield on 15 September 1983 on the site of the oldest surviving passenger railway station, the museum has been devoted to exploring Manchester’s rich heritage – and it continues to do so right through to this very day.
Expert talks, new behind-the-scenes walking tours, and birthday-themed arts and crafts are just some of the exciting things visitors can get involved with over the celebratory three-day weekend.
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There is, quite literally, something for everyone.
Science and Industry Museum reveals ‘special’ 40th birthday events lineup / Credit: Science Museum Group
To mark the historic four-decade milestone, you can enjoy special ‘spotlight talks’ focusing on the pioneering Liverpool Road Station and how it revolutionised the world, as well exploring how the station’s buildings were transformed into a museum, and how the museum’s now setting out “a vision for a sustainable future”.
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You can also go on new special walking tours and get behind-the-scenes access to the museum’s historic spaces – including some that are temporarily-closed while conservation and repair work is underway as part of the multi-million-pound regeneration project.
A range of birthday-themed arts and crafts activities that give you the chance to explore more about the city’s history of textiles production will also be available over the full weekend.
And if you fancy showing off your pipes, then you can even join in with a birthday sing-along during the popular Revolution Manchester show – which is a free action-packed science performance taking place several times throughout each of the three days.
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There’ll be expert talks, new behind-the-scenes walking tours, and more to get involved with / Credit: Science Museum Group
“We’re delighted to be celebrating 40 years in our home of global historical significance,” the Science and Industry Museum’s Director, Sally MacDonald, said ahead of this weekend.
“What happened here changed the world, triggering a revolution in trade, technology, travel and time.
“It’s where science met industry and the modern world began, and we’re dedicated to protecting and furthering this legacy by celebrating the technical skills of Mancunians past as well as highlighting the skills and pathways available to the next generation of technicians, engineers and creators who can change the world.
The Museum opened doors at its current home in Castlefield on 15 September 1983 / Credit: Science Museum Group
“So, what better way to mark our 40th anniversary than with a host of activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.”
As well as all of the events planned over the 40th birthday weekend, a new digital discovery guide has also been made available online for the occasion, which gives visitors the top 40 things to “see, do, and discover” at the museum.
More information about all the free 40th birthday activities taking place this weekend can be found on the Science and Industry Museum here.
Featured Image – Science Museum Group
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‘Glittering winter adventure’ set to take over Tatton Park this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
The magnificent grounds of Tatton Park will be transformed into a ‘glittering winter adventure’ this festive season.
With spooky season now a thing of the past, and Christmas merely a few weeks away, families will soon be whisked away into a world of folklore, enchantment, and enthralling performances as they enter the gardens of the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire for an immersive, festival-like experience known as Yuletide.
Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a “truly magical experience” where folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music.
A ‘glittering winter adventure’ is set to take over Tatton Park this Christmas / Credit: Supplied
All set to transport visitors right into the heart of Yuletide tales, the exciting new event – which opens next weekend, and runs through until late December – is produced by Wild Rumpus, who you may know for other magical local events such as ‘The Lanterns’ at Chester Zoo (2018-2022) and Just So Festival.
The highlight of this new event has to be The Glittering Trail, where beautifully-illuminated puppets and performers bring legendary stories of Yuletide to life as visitors wander through the park’s popular Japanese Gardens and make the most of the stunning winter landscape.
Families can gather around an open fire to toast marshmallows, all while they watch live performances that add even more magic to the evening.
Yuletide will be running at Tatton Park on selected dates from Saturday 16 November through to Monday 23 December, and tickets are on sale now – with adult tickets costing £20, children paying just £12 each, and free personal assistant passes are also available.
Why Big Santa WON’T be in Manchester when the Christmas Markets open this week
Daisy Jackson
The sheds have taken over the city centre already, with the huge Christmas Markets officially opening on Friday 8 November.
A big character during the festive season in Manchester is, of course, our light-up Big Santa.
He’s taken on a few different forms over the years, from the huge inflatable character who used to scale the Manchester Town Hall to the piercing gaze of the city’s legendary ‘Zippy’.
The newest Big Santa is a large fella sitting on a big present, sporting a white handlebar moustache and holding a Manchester bee in his hand.
Over the years, this festive figure has been joined by several other glowing installations, like twinkling baubles you can walk through and huge stars.
And when the markets were held at Albert Square, they normally opened with Big Santa proudly already in position.
But this year the arrival of the Manchester Christmas Markets doesn’t mean the start of the festive light trail, or the return of Big Santa – so don’t go looking for him on Friday.
That’s because he won’t be installed on his perch at St Peter’s Square until after Remembrance Sunday, with a poignant service being held at the Cenotaph in the square next weekend.
Big Santa won’t be there when the Manchester Christmas Markets open on Friday. Credit: The Manc Group
Father Christmas will be installed at St Peter’s Square in the days after Remembrance Sunday.
Speaking of the Manchester Christmas Markets, councillor Pat Karney said: “Nowhere does Christmas quite like Manchester and with more than a quarter of a century of our world-famous legendary Christmas markets under our belts, we reckon we’ve got everyone’s Christmas wrapped.
“The number of people who’ve visited our markets over the years must be well over the fifty million mark by now and twenty-six years on from our first-ever Christmas Market in 1998 we regularly attract visitors from around the globe.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back again to Santa’s favourite city to enjoy the markets and share in all the festive fun. Grab some tinsel, find a friend or round up the family, and come and join us!”
The Manchester Christmas Markets open on Friday 8 November and close on Sunday 22 December, with Big Santa arriving in mid-November.
Emily Sergeant -
11th September 2023 
