The Science and Industry Museum unveils a spectacular summer of free space-themed fun

Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has unveiled a space-themed summer programme of free activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Inspired by the museum’s blockbuster exhibition, Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos, visitors can blast off on a journey packed with interactive experiences, spectacular events and cosmic fun.

Free daily activities

Every day throughout the summer holidays, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of free activities designed to ignite imaginations.

There’ll be chances to get hands-on with rocket power and the mind-blowing forces of flight, discover the science behind space travel in live shows, and follow clues left by friendly Martians on a museum-wide trail, uncovering fascinating space-related objects and stories.

Rocket Wednesdays

A brand-new, also free, Rocket Wednesdays programme will launch this summer, too. Highlights from this include a 30-foot-tall rocket ship, Skybolt 2, hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser.

Designed to reach speeds of up to 3200mph, Skybolt 2 first flew in September 2017 and still displays some visible marks from its landing. Visitors can revel at the real-life spacecraft and meet the team behind the rocket.

Solar Sister will bring space stories to life in unique walkabout performances, while bestselling author and illustrator of children’s story, We Are All Astronauts, Kate Pankhurst, will be leading a draw-along workshop.

Elsewhere, there’ll be space-inspired Lego challenges and chances to turn everyday items into instruments by joining a junk percussion jam. You can find the full calendar of Rocket Wednesdays activities here.  

Solar eclipse celebration

On Wed 12 Aug, the Science and Industry Museum will host a special event to mark the solar eclipse, including live interactive shows, demonstrations, spectacular images of the Sun disappearing on giant screens and opportunities to discover more about this rare celestial event.

General admission tickets for the Science and Industry Museum are free and can be booked below. Tickets for Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos are also available to book online. As part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme, children’s and family tickets are discounted this summer – so now is a great time to plan your visit. Adult tickets are £10, with child tickets only £8.70. A family discount is available and under threes go free.