Science in the City Festival: bringing the city alive

Over 40 free pop-up events will be held in unusual places around the city centre for a week in July to celebrate Manchester’s status as European City of Science 2016.

The Science in the City Festival will be based at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Number 70 Oxford Street where there will be free informal talks, discussions, debates and workshops with scientists and technologists from different disciplines. There will also be Royal Society talks by biologist, Professor Kathy Willis and British environmental journalist, Gaia Vince.

Venues hosting events will include Manchester Arndale, Museum of Science and Industry, John Rylands Library, Royal Exchange, Portico Library

There will be so much going on you’ll be spoilt for choice but keep an eye out for:

Human Sensor

This ground-breaking art commission by media artist Kasia Molga will be premiering at the festival with performances happening around the city centre. The outcome of this project is a piece of highly specialised wearable technology that illuminates in accordance with the wearer’s breathing and external air pollution data.

Photography - Nick Harrison — Photography – Nick Harrison

Allotment of the Future and the Climate Change Café

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to have bugs for breakfast, algae for lunch, or grow crops from used coffee grounds? Visit the Allotment of the Future in St Ann’s Square to explore how we could make the most of our urban spaces to grow food and take part in experiments, tastings and conversations about the sustainability of our future.

Other highlights of the festival include Science Friction – a collection of films at HOME that explore science and scientific discoveries – the Manchester Robot Orchestra, The Mars Society’s first UK University Rover Challenge taking place in Cathedral Gardens, Tiny Science – events for younger children – and Science Lates for the adults.

New events are continually being added to the programme which can be seen by visiting the European City of Science website, and regular updates will be shared through the European City of Science Twitter account so join in with the conversation!

The Science in the City Festival runs from July 22-29 2016.

This article was last updated 9 years ago.
It was first published on 23 June 2016 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected]

Want to be the first to receive all the latest news stories, what’s on and events from the heart of Manchester? Sign up here.

For the love of Manchester...

Manchester is a successful city, but many people suffer. I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love. Thank you in advance!