Manchester Science Festival returns on Thursday 22 October 2015 for eleven days of experimentation – and certain events are sure to sell out. Tickets have just gone on sale, so here’s our guide to a number of highlights, including an adults-only ball pool (no funny business), Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince’s Infinite Monkey Cage show, drones, philosophy and two very special sci-fi double bills – featuring E.T. and The Matrix – in Manchester Cathedral.
1. Jump In! Adults-only ball pool at MOSI
This giant pool of 81,000 white plastic balls brings new meaning to the phrase ‘having a ball’.
Thu 22 Oct – Sun 1 Nov, Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, M3 4FP. Tel: 0161 832 2244, £5 per person, booking only required for groups, www.manchestersciencefestival.com
2. Infinite Monkey Cage live with Professor Brian Cox & Robin Ince
Everyone’s favourite popstar-turned-scientist appears live as part of the BBC Radio 4 show and live series.
Thu 22 Oct, Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, M3 4FP. Tel: 0161 832 2244, 7pm, free but you must apply for tickets in advance through this link: www.bbc.co.uk
3. Drone Expo for families at MOSI
Meet some flying drones, and have a go at flying one at this family-friendly workshop for those aged five and over. Experts and scientists who use drone technology in their everyday work will be on hand for a chat.
Sat 24 & Sun 25 Oct, Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, M3 4FP. Tel: 0161 832 2244,10am-5pm, free, drop-in, www.manchestersciencefestival.com
4. Sci-fi movie screenings at Manchester Cathedral
Catch amazing sci-fi films in emotive surrounds. There are two double bills going on on Monday and Tuesday (26 and 27 October) Booking information as follows: The Fifth Element and The Matrix (Mon 26 Oct, Manchester Cathedral, 6.10pm, £14, double bill, www.manchestersciencefestival.com); E.T. and Back to the Future (Tue 27 Oct, Manchester Cathedral, 6.10pm, £14 double bill or £30 family ticket, www.eventbrite.co.uk).
5. Consider the meaning of free will with philosopher and author Julian Baggini
The philosopher and writer considers whether humans have free will and what that concept means in an age of radical advances in neuroscience and genetics. Baggini will read from his book, Freedom Regained, which includes first person accounts and opinion from those living on the fringe of society, such as artists, those whose free will could be regarded as limited, such as drug addicts and political activists.
Mon 26 Oct, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, 3 Cambridge Street, M1 5BY. Tel: 0161 235 0776, 6.30pm, £3, www.skiddle.com
Thu 22 Oct – Sun 1 Nov, various venues, times and prices, www.manchestersciencefestival.com
- Words:
- Joshua Gordon
- Published on:
- Thu 29 Oct 2015
