Top 3: Manchester Science Festival

Now in its seventh year, the Science Festival returns this October to take over the city’s venues with a programme of experiments, art, workshops and performances. Produced by MOSI, the festival encourages visitors to get involved in science and explore the latest discoveries. Featuring top scientists and crammed into 11 days, here are just a few highlights…

Thu 24 Oct – Sun 3 Nov, www.manchestersciencefestival.com

Synthesis – free outdoor projections and 3D stuff

See science brought to life with this futuristic 3D exhibition featuring installations, sculptures, cinematic visuals and paintings. Curated by Forefront Collective and featuring work by both international artists and new graduates as they fuse science with art, the exhibition will be hosting a number of events during the festival including talks and family activities. One such event is the exhibition’s opening night, featuring an outdoor moving projection by Gina Czarnecki, live music from singer-songwriter Dogstar Rose and the presentation of the Graduates Award but none other than Coronation Street’s Stephen Halliwell.

Fri 25 Oct – Sun 10 Nov, Victoria Warehouse Hotel, Trafford Wharf Road, Stretford, M17 1AB, 10am – 6pm, FREE

Captain #Hooked – learn why music is catchy

Ever wonder why you just can’t get a song out of your head? MOSI’s resident expert Captain Hooked gets to the science behind what makes music catchy and how it ‘moves, soothes and inspires us’. Across the week, #Hooked will be disguising research in the form of desert island playlists, games involving participant’s favourite songs, a family danceathon, a debate with fellow experts and, of course, a silent disco.

Thu 24 Oct – Fri 1 Nov, MOSI, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, M3 4FP, 11am – 2pm, FREE

Ice Lab: New architecture and science in Antarctica (pictured)

Marvel in the innovative contemporary architecture of Antarctica with this fascinating taster of life in the frozen continent. Commissioned by the British Council, the exhibition features drawings, models, photographs, films and a light and audio installation to expose the architectural ingenuity that has transformed Antarctica into what it is today. From research stations to astronomy to drilling ice cores, this is a unique view into the cutting-edge science that takes place in the southernmost place in the world.

Mon 21 Oct – Mon 6 Jan, MOSI, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, M3 4FP, 11am – 5pm, FREE