Manchester Science Festival 2017

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

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Manchester Science Festival 2017

19-29 October 2017

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

Numen/For Use
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Robots to end all previous knowledge of robots, an entire building transformed into an immersive spider’s web experience made from sticky tape and over 100 other cutting-edge science events across just 10 days can only mean one thing – the mighty Manchester Science Festival is back.

Each year the experiences are so progressive and creative. The festival continually returns to satisfy and provoke new curiosity in both science superfans of the present and future, as well as those just interested in the world around them and trying new things (yes, like crawling into giant cocoons).

Book now for the chance to see the brilliant Robots exhibition, fresh from the London Science Museum and explore how humans have been fascinated with recreating themselves for over 500 years. There are accompanying Robots Playground sessions (with separate sessions for adults and families) where you can experience the latest robot technology including being able to dance with new Robot pals and take robodogs for walks.

The site of the world’s first passenger railway and which influenced how the world changed forever will also host the unmissable Tape. Housed within the historic 1830 Warehouse at the Museum of Science and Industry an ambitious, large-scale (and extremely photogenic) installation from award-winning artists Numen / For Use invites the audience to climb into and crawl around a labyrinth of cocoon-like passageways made from a shimmering “stretched biomorphic skin” stretched above the ground. Watch out as it triggers a swathe of new social media profile pictures across the land.

Other highlights include experiencing the heightened sounds, scents and  feel of the ocean without getting wet in dry aquatic experience the AquAIRium and taking part in Aeon: Patient X, a high-tech theatre experience to uncover viral traces and find the source of a contagion to stop it spreading.

The sheer range, number and quality of music, film, live science and other curious and mindblowing events galore across Greater Manchester means, in the space of 10 days this October, Manchester sets out its stall at being the centre of the scientific universe.

 

 

Where to go near Manchester Science Festival 2017

Manchester
Restaurant
Teppanyaki Chinatown

A Japanese teppanyaki restaurant in the centre of Chinatown. The focus is on high-quality food with a minimum of theatrics. It doesn’t disappoint.

Manchester
Music venue
Castlefield Bowl

The Castlefield Bowl is an outdoor events pavilion in the inner city conservation area of Castlefield in Manchester. The 8000-capacity arena is often used for food festivals and music events.

Great John Street Hotel in Spinningfields in Manchester.
Castlefield
Hotel
Great John Street Hotel

A converted Victorian school house nestled on the edge of Spinningfields, the Great John Street Hotel has a relaxed and decadent atmosphere.

Castlefield
Bar or Pub
Cask

Cask is a well-loved pub on Liverpool Road in Manchester. It has an excellent selection of continental beers and a cosy beer garden.

Castlefield
Event venue
Castlefield Viaduct

Launching in summer 2022, the National Trust and Twelve Architects and Masterplanners will be bringing a new lease of life to Castlefield Viaduct.

Campfield Open Day-3
Castlefield
Event venue
Campfield Market Hall

Having undergone years of transformative and restorative work, the complex will now be known as Campfield Mega Campus, Manchester’s most ambitious creative-tech destination.

Manchester
Restaurant
Fenix

Modern Greek Mediterranean cuisine from the team behind Tattu.

Altrincham
Shop
IDAHO

Every piece in IDAHO has something special and will guarantee to make your homes, offices and wardrobes feel a little more inspiring.

Castlefield
Theatre
Versa Manchester Studios

Formerly the Old Granada Studios, VERSA Manchester Studios is evolving into a dynamic Studio Campus with TV, Film, Motion Capture and VR / AR Studios alongside a glamorous new Soho House.

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