5 min readHeader image credit: Orbie Pullen
Ahead of this year’s Manchester Science Festival, which runs from 18-27 October, we’re taking a look at some of this years highlights – from extreme science explorations, incredible installations – and even a giant spider.
Alongside this eclectic programme for families and children, the festival has something to offer everybody. Adults can look forward to a specially curated weekend of events and a special after-hours celebrations at the museum. Take a look at what’s in store below:
1. Watch out for the Arachnobot!
Arachnobot, a dynamic work of art created by Artistic Director Tim Davies, combines a giant inflatable skin with a complex cable skeleton that controls eight independently articulated legs controlled by a single puppeteer. Be both terrified and enchanted by Arachnobot, a world-first giant spider puppet, as it roams the mall ahead of Halloween in the City. Get hands on and test your spider senses. Discover how a sticky web traps unsuspecting insects and how a spider senses its prey.
2. BBC CBeebies Bedtime Stories – Live at the museum!
Mini star gazers can snuggle down for a special BBC CBeebies Bedtime Story inspired by Manchester Science Festival and read by CBeebies House presenters and a constellation of special guests. Full event schedule and free tickets will be released soon. See the full event schedule and book free tickets here.
3. In Conversation: Does AI have a place in Space?
Sit down with STEM champion, social entrepreneur and computer scientist, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, and the UK Space Agency's Head of Space Exploration, Libby Jackson OBE, as they discuss how their worlds collide in this interactive forum. Can AI be applied to Space exploration? What can you trust AI to do in Space? How will it better our lives back on Earth? The opportunities seem endless with the likes of rover navigation, satellite design and lasering space junk. But are we just talking science fiction?
4. State of Mind by Squidsoup
Dive inside the human brain in this new large-scale installation created by pioneering light, sound and technology artists Squidsoup. Immerse yourself in a rich and colourful audio-visual experience which explores the impact of smartphones, apps and media on our lives and minds. Soak up the atmosphere in this abstract and playful representation of our digitised world, saturated with sensory stimuli from ever-changing media technologies. Move between the order and chaos created by rhythm in light and sound representing the millions of sensory inputs we receive every day.
Image credit: Orbie Pullen
5. Cosmic Quiz
Take top prize in a dynamic evening of surprise rounds, pop-up performances and laid-back cosmic vibes, where you'll be challenged on all things space and artificial intelligence. Compete on your own, or in a team of up to 4, in an out-of-this-world event produced in collaboration with The Quiz Team, featuring specially commissioned content from The Poetry Place. The quiz will take off at 20.00, but doors will open at 18.30 giving you exclusive after-hours access to the Revolution Manchester gallery and Experiment, our hands-on interactive gallery.
6. Museum After Hours
Explore the museum after hours and dive into a world of extremes at this special adult-only evening event. Celebrate the final weekend of Manchester Science Festival with exclusive after-hours access. Don't miss the premiere of new works from artists Liam Ashworth and Luca Agathogli, presented in partnership with Venture Arts, an award-winning visual arts organisation working with learning disabled artists. Explore interactive performances, a zine and a digital display inspired by the Festival themes of sport science and space. Plus, our events bar will be popping up, selling a range of wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as Festival-exclusive cocktails and mocktails created by AI technology—available to pre-order.
7. Brain Waves
Meet leading neuroscientist Professor Adrian Owen, who will reveal the results of an impressive large-scale study into the effects of gaming and exercise and our brain's health. The surprise findings are part of the Brain and Body study, a collaboration between Western University, Canada, and the Science and Industry Museum. Discover how the Festival's headline installation, State of Mind—an immersive sensory experience created by Squidsoup—demonstrates how the brain responds to sound and light. And finally, pick the brains of double Oscar-winner Paul Franklin in a Q&A all about how innovations in neuroscience are shaping modern cinema. Plus, compete against friends and family with a whole host of brain games to get those neurons firing with the Brain and Body Study.
8. Maternal Instinct
Take a look inside the mind of a mum in this brand-new project from Malandra Jacks and Mindful Mums. Explore hands-on activities, authentic soundscapes and surprising science in this interactive exhibition inspired by personal stories from mums, families and professionals, as well as scientific research revealing how motherhood affects our brains, bodies and mental health. This unique and creative experience will be popping-up at Harpurhey Sure Start Children's Centre throughout the festival period with a programme of free activities and events. Check back soon to view the full schedule and plan your visit.
