Universally Manchester Festival
13 May 2025
Our free community day for all returns for 2025 on Saturday, 14 June - see you there!
Join us on Saturday 14 June, 11am - 4.30pm for a jam-packed day of inspiring Bee Curious talks, hands-on science activities, creative sessions, performances, heritage tours, and the chance to meet with our staff, students and community partners.
With over 80 interactive stalls there’s something for everyone! From poetry to physics, music to medicine and computing to creative writing, there’s loads to discover and do – with activities on offer for all ages.
Uncover the mysteries of the human body from top to toe as we take a closer look at our hands, hearts and minds. Step into a world of virtual reality and play with our robot friends. Learn the art of calligraphy and get crafty as we explore what makes each of us special and different – our cultures, hobbies, families, how we look, how we talk, and what we are great at!
Together we’ll explore what makes for a greener, healthier and fairer world for everyone.
Take part in our Bee Curious programme of engaging talks and performances – Dr Eamonn Kerins takes us out of this world with a Jodrell Bank Alien; Sens Sagna and Dr Anita Greenhill will immerse you in the Rhythm of Life with thrilling drums and uplifting dance, and Manchester-based poet, Rebecca Hurst, will help you find the joy in the every day.
You can unleash your inner artist by trying your hand at your very own street art on our trail. There’ll be a series of free drop-in workshops throughout Saturday, so release your inner Banksy and get creative with sprays and stencils.
Pop along to our University community allotment a partnership between the University of Manchester and Ardwick Climate Action. Find out how biodiversity plays a key role in keeping our air healthy and make you own seed pot that you can take home. You can also follow our Green Routes to check out our 'Silent Skies' exhibition at Manchester Museum.
And then there’s our ever-popular Flash Bang Show with Dr Frank Mair where you can expect fantastic colour changes, flashes and the occasional bang - get ready to hold on to your hats!
Our Universally Manchester Festival is taking place on our Oxford Road campus and is free and open to everyone.
- Discover more of our family friendly activities at Universally Manchester.