5 ways the whole family can celebrate Manchester as European City of Science 2016 this summer

Manchester is a city of scientific firsts. It’s where Dalton developed atomic theory, where Rutherford first split the atom, and it’s the home of the first programmable computer.  Hardly surprising, therefore, that Manchester now holds claim to another first – the first European City of Science. To celebrate, there are many scientific events for you to enjoy this summer starting with The Great Science Share, and culminating with a week-long festival, Science in the City. This will incorporate over 40 free pop-up events which will bring science to life across Manchester city centre from July 22-29.

Schools get ready to celebrate the Great Science Share

Over 200 schools across Greater Manchester will be taking part in The Great Science Share 2016 from July 6 with everything from themed assemblies to skyping astronauts! That’s right. Manchester’s Wright Robinson College will be linking up with the European Space Agency via Skype for a tour of the Erasmus Space Station! It’s all part of showing how schools can increase their engagement with science and there will be a special event at Manchester Town Hall where 240 children from 30 local primary schools will showcase their science abilities to guests, including the Lord Mayor and a leading Manchester professor! manchestersciencecity.com/gss

A summer of events at The Museum of Science and Industry

Did you know that Manchester is where graphene, one of the lightest, strongest and most conductive materials in the world, was discovered? Find out more at an exhibition which celebrates it: Wonder Materials: Graphene and Beyond makes its world premiere at MSI this month on 23 July. Learn more about its magnetic properties with drop in workshops, great for children, with the chance to build your own microscope! For older audiences there is an artistic residency from the 18-21 July, where acclaimed composer Anna Meredith will be inspiring musicians to create new work inspired by graphene and other wonder materials.  They will then perform their work at the Science in the City Celebration on Wednesday 27 July, an evening event just for adults, with hands-on activities and a bar! msimanchester.org.uk

Science in the City Festival

Get ready for a full week of scientific discovery, debate and entertainment in central Manchester from July 22 to 29 when the Science in The City Festival unveils a programme of 40 free events-most of them free. Highlights include Human Sensor, a wearable art installation that lights up dramatically in response to breathing and air pollution. There’s plenty for foodies too as top chef Mary-Ellen McTague stars in an interactive cooking show called  Menus of The Future on July 23 and 24 July.  Children can enjoy a range of Tiny Science events, including a Saving Species session from Chester Zoo, whilst adults have the chance to step inside The University of Manchester’s leading science labs! There’s something for everyone from opera performances at the RNCM to organs on display at the Central Library, Science Slams to a Sensory Soundpit. To discover dates and much more manchestersciencecity.com/visit/event/science-in-the-city-festival

Science Meets Poetry at The John Rylands Library

Six of the region’s most talented poets have joined forces with six world class scientists to create a series of stunning performances. Starting at 8pm on Tuesday 26 July, this is a truly unique event, as the audience will be taken on a walking tour of the magnificent John Rylands Library, pausing to watch each poetic performance unfold. This is an immersive experience where biology gains beat and physics becomes rhythmic, featuring much loved poets such as Matt Panesh and Jennie Bailey.
www.eventbrite.com/e/science-meets-poetry-tickets-25899476030

Bluedot: A festival of scientific discovery at Jodrell Bank

A weekend-long celebration of space, science and the chance to see stars – both real and celebrity – all beneath the iconic Lovell Telescope. There will be performances from musicians including Jean-Michel Jarre and Caribou as well as appearances by Brian Cox and some less well known scientists!  Manchester’s own culinary expert Aiden Byrne, the youngest ever to win a Michelin Star, will be serving a 7 course menu underneath the MKII Radio Telescope (with amazing views of an art installation from Brian Eno) in his Restaurant at The End of The Universe. A Family Encounters area has also recently been announced, which will include an interactive Star Field area, visits from the Clangers and even the chance to hold a piece of the moon! On Sunday, Dr Matt Pritchard (aka The Science Magician) will be making a number of demonstrations and so will Blue Peter’s very own scientist, Steve Mould. Full weekend camping and day tickets are now on sale, with adult weekend tickets starting from £129, and day tickets from £35.
discoverthebluedot.com