There’s a whole host of exciting exhibitions and activities to catch at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester over the festive period.
One of the highlights in the iconic museum’s winter events calendar is the last work by one of Britain’s best loved artists, sculptors, and famed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang creator Rowland Emett – which is now on display in Manchester for the first time in the Textiles gallery until April 2022.
Constructed in 1984, the unique moving sculpture named – which is named ‘A Quiet Afternoon in the Cloud Cuckoo Valley’ – was saved for the UK after being purchased for the Science Museum Group Collection with support from Art Fund, the Science Museum Foundation, the Friends of the National Railway Museum and private donors, and visitors are now able to see two scenes from the work of art telling the story of a journey aboard the imaginary ‘Far Tottering and Oyster Creek Railway,’ based on one of his cartoons.
The two scenes – Far Tottering and Oyster Creek Railway, featuring the ‘Wild Goose’ locomotive, and Oyster Creek – will come to life twice a day at 11.30am and 2pm.
‘A Quiet Afternoon in the Cloud Cuckoo Valley’ is now on display in Manchester for the first time until April 2022 / Credit: Science and Industry Museum
Visitors will be treated to “cogs whirring, characters toasting teacakes, and catching butterflies”, while also getting the chance to discover what the newly-arrived sculpture has in common with the museum’s thundering textiles machinery.
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Born in London in 1906, Emett was known for creating a series of intricate mechanical sculptures based on his imaginative creations, and is famed most for the inventions of ‘Caractacus Potts’ in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – including the flying car itself, and the Humbug-Major Sweet Machine.
Explore the whimsical world of marvellous machinery with 'A Quiet Afternoon in the Cloud Cuckoo Valley'.
This intricate and beautiful sculpture is now on display until Apr 2022 – watch the fantastical scene come to life at one of our daily demonstrations: https://t.co/teGpZilwUupic.twitter.com/ANrmQzKycS
If that wasn’t enough, from 18 December to 4 January, there’ll be some other “wondrous winter activities” will be bringing the magic of machinery to life.
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At 10.45am, 1.15pm, and 2.45pm each day, under 7s can take part in ‘Mini Movers’ to “roll, clank, whirr and clack” around the Textiles Gallery, and explore the machines through imitation, invention, and imagination, and then visitors of all ages can join the museum’s team of Explainers in the Textiles Gallery to make a simple wind-up toy from recyclable materials.
The ‘Experiment Gallery’ is also a firm-favourite with families, where science is brought to life through a series of interactive exhibits, from lifting a mini, to creating a hurricane.
There’s also two unmissable major exhibitions dedicated to medicine and music / Credit: Science and Industry Museum
For older families there are two unmissable major exhibitions dedicated to medicine and music.
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Brand-new headline exhibition Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope is the first major object-rich exhibition to explore the revolution in science transforming cancer care, while Use Hearing Protection: The early years of Factory Records lets you unearth the story of Factory Records’ formative years from 1978 to 1982, and how their innovative work in music, technology, and design gave Manchester an authentic voice and distinctive identity.
The Science and Industry Museum is also currently going through a multi-million pound restoration programme, which means that some areas – including the Power Hall – remain closed to the public.
But, there’s still plenty for families to do, see, and enjoy during the holidays.
Tickets for all winter activities at the Science and Industry Museum are available now and can be booked in advance on the museum’s website here, or by calling 033 0058 0058.
Featured Image – Drew Forsyth / Science and Industry Museum
What's On
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 -
24th November 2021 
