Light Up: The University of Manchester kicks off bicentenary celebrations with a night of illuminations, music and poetry

The University of Manchester celebrates the beginning of its 200th year with a special evening of light, poetry and performance, culminating with a unique after-hours event at the Manchester Museum.

From 6.24pm, representing the University’s founding year of 1824, a pathway of purple light will illuminate iconic landmarks and spaces on the university’s campus and surrounding areas.

All are invited to stroll down the Oxford Road route, which promises a few special surprises along the way.

The pathway will lead to Manchester Museum, which is opening its doors for a free, light-filled ‘Museum Late’ special between 5pm – 9pm, complete with curated tours, hands-on experiences, uplifting poetry readings and illuminating music.

Performances will include a recital of a specially commissioned bicentenary poem by its writer, alumna Rebecca Hurst, as well as an experiential set by alumnus David McFarlane and associated musicians, who use music and light to visualise the experience of chromesthesia – a condition where sound evokes an experience of colour, shape and movement.

Manchester University’s wider international community will be joining the celebrations too, with global Light Up events taking place from Dubai to Hong Kong and Shanghai. 

The full event is completely free and all are invited. You can find more information here.