Discover Space at Manchester Central

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
UK Space Conference 2017

Discover Space at Manchester Central Convention Centre, City Centre 31 May — 1 June 2017 Entrance is free — Visit now

Casually attend the UK Space Conference like it’s an everyday occurrence for interactive talks, shows, activities and exhibitions. Stun friends and family with new facts and knowledge galore.

Book fast to snap up tickets to meet space hero Tim Peake but if you miss out don’t fear – reserve free tickets for the action packed free family activity days filled with a plentiful supply of stimulating science.

The National Space Centre will be challenging young astronauts-to-be to navigate an NXT Rover across various terrains, “smell the universe” (apparently the centre of a galaxy smells fruity don’t you know) and investigate high altitude suits.

Step into the Cosmos Planetarium for an immersive journey to the International Space Station, have a go on a space roller-coaster with their virtual reality headsets and see if you can land NASA’s Curiosity Rover on Mars.

The clever folk currently working in planetary sciences from the University of Manchester will be running sessions on what life needs to exist and the formation of our universe. Use microscopes to examine 4.5 billion year old meteorites and find out how they help us know the history of our solar system.

Meanwhile the National Centre for Earth Observation will be challenging participants to see if they can be space photographers and the Raspberry Pi team will be talking all things coding in space.

We love that such a gloriously challenging free programme of family events accompanies such an important academic conference. We feel more clever and cosmic already.

Discover Space at Manchester Central Convention Centre, City Centre 31 May — 1 June 2017 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near Discover Space at Manchester Central

The seats and stage in The Bridgewater Hall
City Centre
Music venue
The Bridgewater Hall

One of Manchester’s most important cultural buildings, The Bridgewater Hall attracts the biggest names in classical music.

Manchester
Restaurant
Midland Tea Room

Dating back to 1903, Manchester’s stately Midland Hotel now has its own dedicated tea room. Expect traditional offerings in elegant surroundings.

City Centre
Hotel
The Midland Hotel

With 312 luxurious bedrooms, the Grade II-listed Midland Hotel occupies one of the most beautiful and storied buildings in Manchester.

City Centre
Restaurant
ONDA Pasta Bar

ONDA is a treat for the tastebuds. Long dark wood tables are shared by eager diners, as tapas-style plates of fresh pasta and other Italian dishes are ferried around the restaurant.

Manchester
Restaurant
Exhibition

Exhibition is an elegant dining hall on Peter Street, home to Jaan and other high-level independent kitchens.

Manchester
Restaurant
Jaan

Serving up exceptional Persian cuisine, this new food concept from the team behind Another Hand is a must-try.

Haunt MCR
Manchester
Bar or Pub
Haunt MCR

Haunt MCR is a speciality coffee shop and wine bar located on Manchester’s bustling Peter Street.

Manchester
Restaurant
Friska

Latest branch of Friska, the independent healthy fast food chain.

Manchester
Restaurant
Asha’s

Asha’s serves modern north-west Indian cuisine in luxurious surroundings.

What's on: Education

Culture Guides

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.

The Super Duper Family Festival
Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of  washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.