Manchester Science Festival is popping up at Central Library for a week of family fun and hands-on activities, as part of Manchester’s Our Year celebrations.
Throughout the Festival week we’ll be joined by different organisations from across the city who’ll be exploring the future of Manchester with you.
Discover the science shaping the way we live our lives, from materials to modern buildings and find out how you can shape your city’s future.
Explore the programme below to find out what’s on each day. This programme has been produced in partnership with Our Year, Manchester City Council’s year of action which celebrates children and young people, helping them shape a safe and happy future.
FREE FESTIVAL ACTIVITY
DATE: 24–30 October 2022
TIME: 10.00–16.00
PRICE: Free
LOCATION: Manchester Central Library, External venue
AGE: Suitable for all ages
FUTURE MANCHESTER PROGRAMME
A HAPPIER HEALTHIER MANCHESTER
MONDAY 24 OCTOBER
Free, drop-in
Get involved with fun, hands-on activities from the teams at Manchester Polymer Group and Robiquity, two organisations contributing to the technology that is helping people live happier and healthier lives both here in Manchester and beyond.
Make your own nanomedicine and get hands on with 3D-printed biology models just like the ones that surgeons use to practice on.
Have a go at coding a Manchester icon with Bee Bots, and inspire a masterpiece with AI Dali, which will create a picture from any two words you provide.
RESPONDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE
TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER
Free, drop-in
Test out the fuels and batteries of the future as you discover ways you might soon be powering your car and household items with UCell, an electrochemical outreach group based at University College London.
Plus, face the tough decisions made by The Environment Agency every day as they tackle an increased risk of flooding due to climate change. Test out the latest technology in flood defence and alter a sandbox landscape. See where the water flows, and where floods as a result of your changes.
LIVING IN MANCHESTER
WEDNESDAY 26 OCTOBER
Free, drop-in
How will we live, work and play in the future? What will the city look like and how will we get around?
Join MUD-Lab—the urban design centre at University of Manchester—here to inspire the next generation of designers. See how urban designers are shaping Manchester city centre and share your vision for the future of our city.
Plus, Ucell are back with their hands-on activities exploring the future of power.
IMPACT OF LANDSCAPES
THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER
Free, drop-in
Explore how climate change is influencing the landscapes we live in with The Environment Agency and MUD-Lab.
Draw and make a model of what Manchester should look like in the future and explore a 3D model of Manchester city centre.
OUR FUTURE MANCHESTER
SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER
Free, drop-in
Share your vision for a greener Manchester in this playful, participatory experience from Egg People.
Get creative and make your own manifestos, placards and rosettes, inspired by Manchester’s pioneers of change, or build your own city skyline with Mega Makers—our big blue blocks.
Plus, look out for performers from Egg People as they pop-up throughout the day and invite you to join their march for a more sustainable city where people can live alongside, not compete with, the natural world.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
This event takes place at Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 5PD. Plan your journey and find out more about facilities and access (opens Manchester City Council website).
Please note that Manchester Central Library will be open on Sunday 30 October. The Library is normally closed on Sundays, but it will open specially for this year’s Festival activities.
