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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Pilates classes with eight-week old puppies are launching in Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
Pilates is already one of the most popular workouts of the moment, but we have a feeling this might make its popularity skyrocket.
Why? Because it’s pilates with puppies, that’s why.
Although it may sound a little too good – and too unbelievably flipping cute – to be true, your eyes aren’t deceiving you, as Manchester‘s very-own Paw Yoga is launching a handful of Puppy Pilates sessions next month, and this is your chance to stretch, strengthen… and snuggle with Spaniels.
Puppy Pilates sessions are exactly as they sound, blending gentle Pilates or Yogalates exercises with the joy of being surrounded by playful Cocker Spaniel puppies.
It’s a unique experience designed to promote relaxation and, of course, plenty of puppy cuddles.
Each session starts off with 15 minutes of puppy introductions, followed by a half-hour instructor-led Pilates or Yogalates class, and finished with another 15 minutes of cuddles and photos with the pups.
Paw Yoga – which is better-known for its puppy yoga sessions, and is celebrating its third anniversary next month – ensures the wellbeing of its puppies is the utmost priority, with all attending puppies being over eight-weeks old and vaccinated, and the company refraining from mixing litters from different households.
The company also exclusively collaborates with ‘trusted and ethical breeders’, so you can attend the classes knowing the puppies come from nurturing homes.
Pilates classes with eight-week old puppies are launching in Manchester next month / Credit: Supplied
Each class lasts one hour, and at the end of every event, the puppies go home with their owners.
Throughout the sessions, puppies are provided with food, water, and their own comfortable resting space if they choose to have a nap rather than join in.
There’s Puppy Pilates class on 14 June and a Puppy Yogalates class on 15 June that you can book onto, with other dates expected to be announced in due course, so whether you’re a pilates pro or simply seeking a calming escape, these sessions offer the perfect blend of fitness and puppy cuddles.
At the moment, the venue for the classes is to be confirmed, and tickets to take part will set you back £35 each.
Find out more and book a class on the Paw Yoga website here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
A FREE event where little Mancs can meet Bluey is coming to MediaCity this half term
Thomas Melia
There’s a free event making its way to MediaCity this half term, and its fronted by a very familiar children’s TV character.
As schools across Greater Manchester are out for half term at the end of this month, toy manufacturers Little Tikes are heading to MediaCity and bringing everyone’s favourite adventurous puppy Bluey along for the ride too.
And better yet, it’s all completely free.
This day-long event – which is to celebrate the launch of Little Tikes and Bluey’s collaboration – will feature an abundance of Little Tikes toys for kids to try out, while parents can put their feet up and watch some Bluey on the big outdoor screen.
Alongside some much needed rest for parents, kids and adults alike can take part in a ‘Spin to Win’-style competition and even get their face painted.
Whilst playing around with items such as the ‘Bluey Beach Day Sandbox’ and ‘Bluey Beach Water Table’, fan-favourite moments from the show will be broadcast onto the big screen.
There’s also a foot-to-floor car which kids can zoom around in titled ‘Bluey Grannies Car Coupe’, and the log flume inspired ‘Bluey Bushland Adventure’ where you can splash around mini-figurines from the TV show.
If that wasn’t enough Bluey for you in one day, the cute pup herself will be meeting and greeting little ones throughout the day – what more could you ask for?
A free event where little Mancs can meet Bluey is coming to MediaCity this half term / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ad what better place to host this special event than at MediaCity Waterside Steps, just outside of CBeebies HQ, which has recently received an all-new revamp.
Each attendee will be given a 45-minute slot throughout the day in which they can visit the attraction, and tickets are given out on a first-come-first-serve basis.
If you’re interested in having some family fun this May half term, why not tag along with Little Tikes and Bluey for this free event at Media City on Wednesday 28 May from 11am onwards – with tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
11th September 2023 
