To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Lowry, the North West’s leading arts and culture institution, is launching a brand-new, free, immersive experience of L.S. Lowry’s ‘Going to the Match’.

Developed with world-renowned creative studio Layers of Reality, ‘LOWRY 360’ will fully surround audiences with the sights and sounds of Going to the Match, transporting them into the painting before they experience the original artwork firsthand.

Immersive experiences are a powerful way to introduce new audiences to the arts, but their cost can often be a barrier. To celebrate its anniversary, Lowry is making LOWRY 360 completely free - a special gift to ensure that everyone can enjoy this unique experience.

This ambitious and exciting new experience has been made possible thanks to incredible support from The Law Family Charitable Foundation.

LOWRY 360, which opens on Saturday 3 May, has been created by Layers of Reality, a creative studio pioneer in creating content for extended reality. They offer memorable, meaningful and transformative experiences and they work with global and international vocation through the research, creation, production, exhibition and distribution of transformative content.

Among the most relevant productions of Layers of Reality are KLIMT, THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE (with Exhibition Hub), Frida Kahlo, The life of a Myth (with Frida Kahlo Corp.), Dalí Cybernetic (with the Gala Salvador Dalí Foundation), Tutankhamun, the immersive experience and Jules Verne 200, some of which can be seen today around the world.

It promises to be a powerful journey into the world of football, community, and culture - themes that define both L.S. Lowry’s art and everyday life in Salford.

LOWRY 360 headlines a celebratory anniversary programme that combines high profile shows that will excite audiences with bold and adventurous productions, while a transformation of Lowry’s galleries and spaces will create a brand-new experience for visitors.

Gods of Salford - Reimagining Greek myths with a social impact

One of the most ambitious and standout shows of the anniversary programme is Gods of Salford, a Lowry commission from the award-winning Not Too Tame Theatre.

25 talented young people from Salford, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds and have experienced significant hardship, make up the cast and crew in this high-energy theatrical reimagining of Greek myths through the lens of Salford’s working-class spirit.

For these young creatives, Gods of Salford is more than just a performance; it’s an opportunity to gain industry experience, develop new skills, and carve out future pathways in the arts.

A major new free family exhibition celebrating the work of one of Britain’s most popular writers and illustrators, Quentin Blake, is to open at Lowry, Salford on Saturday 19th July.

Curated by Lowry in collaboration with the artist and his studio, Quentin Blake and Me will feature a wide range of Blake’s instantly recognisable work as well as fun interactives, games to play, and opportunities for visitors to write and draw their own stories, all whilst being immersed in Blake’s magical world.

Known for his distinctive and humorous style, Blake has written or illustrated over 500 books, including working with authors including Roald Dahl, David Walliams, and Michael Rosen. His iconic illustrations have vividly brought to life some of the most beloved characters in children’s fiction, from The BFG to Mr. Stink, captivating the imaginations of readers young and old.  

The magic and adventure of Quentin Blake will not be confined to the exhibition space.  There will be free activities for families taking place across the building this summer from fun-packed storytelling sessions with Angelica Sprocket and her never-ending pockets, portrait sessions with local artists, creative activities in family space The Lookout and the chance to delve into some of Blake’s best-loved works in the Book Nook.  There will be a wealth of fun surprises, laughter and imaginative fun to be enjoyed. Plus, Blake has even created a special drawing of LS Lowry himself to hang in the exhibition.

Quentin Blake says: “It’s wonderful to be given such a generous and imaginative exhibition in such a special site. It was an extra pleasure to be invited to make drawings of Lowry himself. It’s also very good that visitors to the show are invited to draw and I look forward to seeing some of the results.”

Michael Simpson, Director of Visual Arts at Lowry, says: “Lowry is always a terrific place for families, but never more so than in the holidays.  We are delighted that Quentin has been so supportive and generous and, like us, he wants children and their families to come and have a great time – and do plenty of drawing and writing themselves!”

Quentin Blake and Me is part of Lowry’s 25th Anniversary season, which has been curated to encapsulate what Lowry is all about – creativity, opportunity and making the arts accessible to all. From celebrating the iconic artwork of LS Lowry to showcasing the life-changing work we do with young people, our birthday celebrations feature an inspiring line-up of shows, art, events and family activities. And as we are committed to offering free activities and affordable pricing, we’re hoping as many people as possible will be able to join us.

The 25th anniversary programme features world-class shows and exhibitions to fill Lowry’s theatres and galleries, bring in families and offer an opportunity to reflect on the importance of art and community. 

  • Lowry’s Promenade Gallery will be transformed by a large-scale mural by French artist Camille Walala. Inspired by architectural aesthetics of cityscapes, Camille will draw on Lowry's locality and the prominent views of Media City from the Promenade to create a bold and colourful design. 
  • Lowry is hosting a 25th birthday lecture, with a talk from Manchester born writer Jeannette Winterson. Winterson will speak about L.S. Lowry’s ability to tap into the lives of working men and women of that time, drawing on her own family history.
  • The anniversary year will be kicked-off by a new production in May of James Graham’s Olivier Award winning play, Dear England, with a rewritten ending following the European Championships in 2024. 
  • Aakash Odedra, the UK’s leading Kathak performer, will present a stunning evening of dance and poetry inspired by Persian culture, with live music from Manchester Camerata called The Song of the Bulbul.
  • Live at Lowry celebrates 25 years of top stand-up and is the chance to catch some of the nation’s best comedy talent
  • Together We Create will show showcase the incredible talent and diversity within our local communities. And the grand finale? A spectacular celebration event where communities will take centre stage, shining a spotlight on the talent that makes Salford extraordinary.   
  • One Lowry, Many Stories is a celebration of the people who have shaped our journey over the last 25 years! From the visitors and artists who’ve graced our stages, to the volunteers and staff who’ve made it all possible, and the families who’ve marked life’s milestones like weddings and graduations with us – their incredible stories will come together in a brand-new, interactive art installation and stunning photography exhibition
  • Artists Assembly is a landmark event that brings our creative community together to celebrate and shape the future of artist development. Featuring creatives from all disciplines, expect thought-provoking discussions, collaborative exchanges, and a chance to share insights with fellow artists and industry experts.