Free Fest: Manchester University Community Festival

Time was when you could only get into Manchester University by being a big clever clogs, but the illustrious institution is opening its doors to the general public, if only for one day, for its Community Festival. Taking place in June, this free event will have a host of family-friendly activities, including: Live experiments, interactive demonstrations, performances and workshops. At the Robotics Research lab, you can have a play with all sorts of mechanical creatures, including bots that can dance and pull wheelies. Keeping with the science theme, visitors can handle genuine moon rocks, and make models using a 3D printer. Outbreak! is an interactive game you can play on campus using a free smartphone app – racing against the clock, you have to try to control the spread of a deadly disease. You can even try your hand at East Asian music, with a set of authentic Gamelan gongs. No booking is required, just turn up when you want and get involved in the fun.

Sat 17 Jun, Manchester University, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL. Tel: 0161 306 6000, 11am – 3pm, FREE, www.manchester.ac.uk