The University is inviting residents of Manchester and beyond to our FREE Universally Manchester Festival, taking place from Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 June 2024.

For four days, we will throw open our doors to welcome tens of thousands of people of all ages on to our Oxford Road Campus for a 200^th year birthday celebration like no other. Visitors to the festival can curate their own programme from more than 150 innovative, imaginative and inspirational events on offer.

A once in a lifetime festival, Universally Manchester will welcome up to 60,000 people to experience everything from poetry to physics, music to medicine, computing to creative writing and more. Acknowledging the University’s global impact; the world firsts, the life-changing discoveries, the music, art, science and creativity, all sparked in Manchester.

At the Festival you will be able to enter virtual reality worlds to explore what goes on inside the human body, simulate the detection of landmines, or even take part in Squid Game-esque challenges. Try your hand at driving a LEGO Mars Rover, under the conditions experienced on Mars, and uncover the secrets of the asteroid Bennu and NASA’s special OSIRIS-REx mission. Or you can discover how the power of creativity can drive change in places of conflict from international charity In Place of War and its ambassador Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien.

Hundreds of free tickets are available for high demand events, with speakers and performers including Professor Brian Cox, Professor David Olusoga, CBeebies presenter George Webster, supergroup GRRRL directed by Laima Leyton (Mixhell / Soulwax), poet Lemn Sissay, immunologist Professor Sheena Cruickshank, director of Jodrell Bank Professor Tim O’Brien and many, many more. Although many popular ticketed events are sold out, a limited number of walk up spaces will be available on the door and there’s no shortage of other free events and activities to get involved in.

Throughout the four days, you can enjoy delicious treats and browse crafts at the Pop Up Market Co on Bridgeford Street. Featuring 25 local vendors, there’ll be food from across the world with spicy curries, filled wraps, cookie pies and sticky chocolate brownies – something for all ages and appetites. There will also be picnic areas and cafes available across campus.

With a stellar programme of family friendly events, activities and workshops taking place throughout the festival, families are encouraged to choose their favourites from the website and make the very most of what’s on! Exploring the Oxford Road Campus is easy with the festival map (print versions available on the day) and friendly student ambassadors on hand to help.

 Here are just some of the events on offer…

COMMUNITY FAIR, a full day of family friendly activities 

Saturday 8 June, 10am-4:30pm, University Place, Engineering Building A, Alliance Manchester Business School, Royce Building

Free, drop-in event, no tickets required

Ever fancied programming your own robot, hunting for meteorites or exploring how our amazing hearts work? The brilliant Community Fair is jam-packed with interactive activities for all ages. Whether you’re interested in science, arts, engineering or history, there’s plenty of hands-on fun and opportunities for discovery and play.

Budding scientists can take part in a penguin parade, peek inside our wonderful brains or explore the science of the very small. Bring out your inner artist through creative and crafty activities including ‘found poetry’, screen printing tote bags, clay making, face painting and storytelling. And for those with energy to burn, there will be a series of sporting challenges, circus skills, a climbing wall and helter-skelter to whiz down. A fun day out for all the family!

DINOSAURS, BICENTENARIES AND BADLANDS WITH PHIL MANNING

Saturday 8 June, 3-4pm, Engineering Building A

For nearly 200 years dinosaurs have sparked our curiosity and fired our imagination – and since the first discovery of Megalosaurus in 1824 over 1,000 dinosaur species have been uncovered through scientific research. Join Phil Manning, Professor of Natural History at The University of Manchester, as he takes you on a jaw-dropping journey from the Jurassic Badlands of the present to the Jurassic world of the past.

MANCHESTER HISTORIES FESTIVAL: CELEBRATION DAY

Sunday 9 June, 11am – 7pm, Whitworth Hall, Gilbert Square, Christie’s Bistro

This special day will feature histories and heritage stories, stalls, live music, walk-about performances, creative activities, films, speakers, exhibitions, family fun and more? With 50 stalls taking over the University’s historic Whitworth Hall, there’s a whole host of ways for you to learn about local colourful characters and uncover hidden histories with partner organisations from across the north west. There’s even a heritage bus for you to hop on board!

THE WHITWORTH PRESENTS… THE CARNIVAL

Sunday 9 June, 10am-5pm, The Whitworth

Join a party like no other as the Whitworth presents The Carnival – help us celebrate art, culture and Manchester’s dynamic community through live performances, interactive workshops, delicious street food and live music. Take in the sculpture terrace as it transforms into a carnivalesque wonderland; lose yourself in immersive art experiences; and enjoy an atmosphere like no other within the Whitworth’s iconic spaces.

With support from partners including BBC Philharmonic, Factory International, the Guardian, In Place of War, Manchester Histories Festival and many others, Universally Manchester Festival and the Community Fair will take place right across The University of Manchester campus – Manchester Museum, The Whitworth, University Place, Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester Students’ Union, and on pop-up stages on Gilbert Square.

 So, join us for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of fun, education and creativity.

Universally Manchester Festival will run from Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 June 2024.

• See Universally Manchester for full programme details.
• See the Festival Map for location details.