With only a few weeks to go now until schools in Greater Manchester and the North West are out for October half term, the massively popular museum in the heart of Manchester city centre has unveiled a jam-packed lineup of free events, and is inviting families down to “transform into architects, engineers, and inventors” for a day.
That’s because it’s handing over its galleries and spaces to community groups and neighbours from right across the region.
The groups’ll be using their “unique outlooks” to help people explore all the ways the city is evolving.
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The Science and Industry Museum has unveiled its lineup of events for October half term / Credit: Science Museum Group
Running from 21 October right through to 5 November, the museum’s half term events lineup has been created in partnership with friends and partners across the city-region as part of the Science and Industry Museum’s new City Sparks community programme.
Those heading down to the museum this half term can become architects for the day and reimagine the city’s high streets and iconic skyline, discover how to get their voices heard using arts and crafts, and explore Manchester’s industrial history through live performances.
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Highlights from the programme include a giant interactive model of Openshaw high street designed by architect, Laura Sanderson – with hands-on activities encouraging “placemakers of tomorrow” to create their vision of future communities by designing their own town centres through giant drawing challenges and model making.
The museum is handing over its galleries and spaces to the region’s community groups and neighbours / Credit: Science Museum Group
Local children from Armitage C of E and All Saints Primary Schools have also created a series of special workshops where visitors can “transform into engineers” and “rebuild Manchester” from viewpoints around the museum’s site.
Inspiring stories from the city’s community will also be shared during popup events – including Dukinfield Craft Café, who are using craft to explore the impact of the closure of their community swimming pool.
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Ruth Murray, who is the Community Partnerships Manager of the City Sparks programme, said they’re “so excited” to be bringing local people together for the events lineup.
“The Science and Industry Museum is home to ideas that change the world, from Manchester and beyond,” she commented, “and it’s our mission to inspire the next generation of creators, engineers and inventors, so we can’t wait to see our visitors’ ideas about the future of our amazing city.”
The museum’s other much-loved exhibitions will also be running throughout half term / Credit: Science Museum Group
As well as each of the activities and workshops guest-hosted by the community, all of the museum’s much-loved exhibitions that are currently running will also be open throughout half term, so if you haven’t had the chance to “travel like a poo” at Operation Ouch!, or take a trip down memory lane and play a whole host of retro games at Power UP, then now’s your chance.
General admission is free, but tickets to the museum’s exhibitions will set you back a couple of pounds and need to be booked in advance, either online or by calling 033 0058 0058.
Find out more about the October half term events lineup here.
Featured Image – Science Museum Group
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Science and Industry Museum reveals CGIs of iconic Power Hall that’s been closed for years
Daisy Jackson
One of the Science and Industry Museum’s most iconic attractions will reopen this summer – and the beloved museum has revealed a sneak peak of how things will look.
The museum has shared CGIs of the reimagined Power Hall: The Law Family Gallery, where visitors will be able to explore a lively working gallery full of engines and rail vehicles.
The popular part of the museum closed for urgent repairs in 2019 and has since been undergoing conservation work and a new look created by award-winning designers Studio MUTT.
The sounds, smells and sights of Manchester’s past and present industry will be brought to the Power Hall when it reopens.
Visitors will soon again be able to rediscover objects and learn the stories behind those who powered Manchester’s industry.
There’ll be three main themes within the Power Hall – Making More, which will explore how engines helped people make more, faster, with steam engines installed at factories and mills.
Then there’ll be Powering Lives, which will examine how engines power the electricity network we all plug into every day.
And also Connecting Places, which looks at how locomotives have connected communities around the world, starting at the site of the museum which sparked a transport revolution in 1830.
Science and Industry Museum reveals CGIs of iconic Power Hall that’s been closed for years
Kate Chatfield, Interpretation and Content Manager at the Science and Industry Museum, said: “Power Hall: The Law Family Gallery will be a must-see Manchester experience – a living gallery that showcases a unique collection of historic 19th and early 20th century working engines to tell the story of Manchester as an epicentre for the engine-driven ideas and industry that shaped the world as we know it today.
“Our most iconic objects will be available to explore like never before as we bring to life the people behind the power through stories of the engineers, makers and technicians who use their skills and senses to create and care for engines, both today and in the past.”
The work on the Power Hall is part of a multi-million-pound regeneration project across the Science and Industry Museum, which is conserving and reimagining these historic buildings.
The Power Hall has been future-proofed in the six years it’s been closed to the public, including urgent roof and timber repairs.
Further information about what to see and do and the Power Hall’s opening date will be announced in the coming weeks. Sign up to the museum’s mailing list to be among the first to hear more.
Power Hall: The Law Family Gallery project has been made possible with support from The Law Family Charitable Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Headley Trust, Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, Atmos International, The Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust, The Zochonis Charitable Trust and other donors who choose to remain anonymous.
Special thanks to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for their significant contribution to the gallery, and to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for funding the decarbonisation of the Power Hall through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, delivered by Salix Finance.
Featured image: Supplied
What's On
A charity auction is selling memorabilia from the ACTUAL Peaky Blinders set
Thomas Melia
Peaky Blinders super-fans get ready, because there’s a charity auction is currently open and items worn by the stars of the iconic TV seriesare up for grabs.
This exclusive event gives bidders the chance to own a piece of modern-day TV history in the form of not just merchandise but authentic memorabilia.
Let’s be honest, we’ve all wanted to pull on a flat cap and pretend we were a gangster at one point in our lives, and what better way to do so and relive your Peaky Blinders fantasy than by doing so with one from the show? Especially since you know your money is going towards a good cause.
Whether you want to look as dapper as Tommy Shelby, or you just want to add a culture-soaked collector’s item to your, well, collection, you might want to check this one if you’re a big Peaky fan.
Maybe you could own something from this very picture at the Peaky Blinders charity auction event.Walk away feeling dapper as ever with exclusive merchandise up for grabs at the Peaky Blinders charity auction event.Credit: BBC
Anyone planning on going to the Peaky Blinders charity auction event can bid in person or even register to bid online now if you won’t be free during the proceedings.
As for what is on the table, you could raise your virtual paddle for everything from a full suit worn by Cillian Murphy himself to Sam Claflin’s homburg hat, a pair of Michael Gray (Finn Cole) shiny shoes and much more.
And where else to hold said event and than Manchester’s very own Peaky Blinders bar on Peter Street just off the main Deansgate strip, where the action will culminate in a flamboyant and free-to-all event.
Those attending in person will be greeted with a welcome drink before being encouraged to join in with the final day of the auction – guests are encouraged to turn up in ‘true Shelby style’ of course.
All the funds raised will go towards the much-loved NHS foundation and specialist hospital, The Christie, Europe’s largest cancer centre, right here in Manchester.
Peaky Blinders bar on Peter St in Manchester city centre.Everyone knows the Peaky Blinders like a drink.
Tickets for this event cost nothing, but there is an option to add an additional donation if you wish, and bidding on items taken from the cult favourite TV show is open to everyone.
Emily Sergeant -
11th October 2023 
