Discover Space at Manchester Central

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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Discover Space

31 May-1 June 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

UK Space Conference 2017
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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.

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.

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.

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.

Manchester
Restaurant
Exhibition

Exhibition hosts three of the city’s most celebrated independent kitchens: Osma, Baratxuri, and Jaan by Another Hand.

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
Jaan

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

Haunt MCR
Manchester
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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.

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