Manchester Science Festival 2024

Explore the extremes of nature, human capability and creativity at the biennial Manchester Science Festival, returning from 18–27 October.

This year, the festival is tackling the extremes of our world, with visitors having the opportunity to get hands-on with some of science's most cutting-edge developments through multi-sensory experiences, immersive events and hands-on family fun.  The University of Salford is Lead Educational Partner and Professor Chloe James will be at the festival to share her bacteriophage research in a family friendly way.

Interactive events will take place throughout the 10 days of the festival. At the Science and Industry Museum, expect incredible immersive artwork with the new installation State of Mind by Squidsoup, exploring the impact of smartphones and apps on our brains. The major exhibition Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 vaccine considers the extreme challenges faced during the pandemic. The incredible Arachnobot, a giant spider puppet, will make its way through Manchester's Arndale Centre in an unmissable, enchanting spectacle, while STEM champion, social entrepreneur and computer scientist, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE and the UK Space Agency's Head of Space Exploration, Libby Jackson OBE join up for the first time for a special conversation around AI in Space.

Families can look forward to fun-filled Activity Zones at the museum, looking at the extremes of human performance and our planet. Get hands on with activities throughout the week, from partners including Natural History Museum and the universities of Manchester and Salford, or get comfortable for a special science-themed BBC CBeebies Bedtime Story during your visit.

Find a full list of all activities on the Science and Industry Museum website.