Manchester’s Baby Week 2026 Launch Event

MONDAY 15 JUNE 2026 

10am to 3pm.

Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, M2 3JL 

 

Join us for a fun‑packed day as we launch Baby Week 2026 at the iconic Manchester Art Gallery. 

This special event brings together families, babies, professionals and partners for a celebration of early childhood and the importance of giving every child the Best Start in Life. You’ll find an exciting programme of baby‑friendly activities, interactive sessions, and information stalls from services and organisations across the city. 

Whether you’re a new parent, expecting a baby, or supporting families in your community, the launch offers something for everyone.

Come along, get involved, and help us celebrate the start of an inspiring week dedicated to Manchester’s youngest children. 

 

  • Sensory and play experiences – Designed to support early development 
  • Movement, music and story sessions – Perfect for little ones 
  • Baby health and wellbeing advice from local experts 
  • Support and information on pregnancy, infant feeding, bonding, and early learning 
  • Cracking Good Food – Participatory prepare and Taste workshops making smoothies, preserving fruit, and making hummus with crudites.  
  • TinyTalk Baby Signing – Teaches babies from newborn to begin to communicate without being even able to speak which allows both children and parents to understand each other from an earlier age. The sessions teach British Sign Language signs through songs and sensory activities.  
  • Creative Messy Play – Come and experience lots of sensory messy play with your baby. Spare clothes advisable!  
  • Reform Radio – Baby DJ sessions – DJing workshops for parents and babies to have fun making music together.   
  • Preventing common home accidents and first aid taster sessions – Find out about top tips for avoiding home accidents such as burns and scalds, poisoning from medicines or cleaning products and trips or falls. Get advice on the best first aid to treat these common accidents and prevent injuries getting worse!  
  • Baby and child emergency first aid – designed especially for parents, grandparents, and anyone caring for young children. In this friendly, hands-on session, you’ll learn the essential skills to stay calm and take action when it matters most. 
  • Intergenerational Music – Brings people of ages together through the magical power of music.  
  • Hallé Musical Stars – An interactive music session with a Hallé practitioner/vocalist for 0-5 years and their grown-ups. The sessions include sensory play, singing, musical games, and musical instruments.  
  • Parent and baby yoga and massage – A gentle stretch and flex for parents and babies. Get connected with your little one and try out baby massage. 
  • Play on a budget – Heuristic play. An enriching type of play where babies explore everyday objects through sensory stimulation and experimentation.  
  • Baby social – Baby sensory play. Come and explore exciting materials selected to stimulate your babies’ senses, relax and meet new parents.  
  • Baby Rhyme Time – Singing nursery rhymes with actions is a great way for babies to develop their motor skills and help develop early literacy and communication skills.  
  • Science and Industry Museum – ‘Curiosity Stops’, small interactive experiments with Early Years in mind.  
  • Z-Arts – Playful storytelling and movement session.  
  • CAPS Sensory Slow-Down for parents and babies – Take time to be in the moment and connect with your baby. 
  • Football Museum – Lots of fun physical activity sessions with babies and toddlers. 
  • Factory International – Afrocats and Shake Rattle and Roll. Fun music and dance with your little ones.  
  • Dance Like a Mother – Babywearing Dance suitable for babies from 8 weeks to 2 years Expect lots of awesome tunes, laughter and lovely sleepy cuddles with your little one. Trained Instructors provide & fit you with a carrier.  
  • Manchester Librarians and National Literacy Trust – Librarian led Story telling sessions for babies and toddlers.  
  • Artful Playground – Interactive musical experience for babies. Several sessions throughout the day full of music, movement, singing, props and smiles!  

 

Click here to see what else is on across the rest of the week, and get involved.