The Universtiy’s Jodrell Bank and Creative Manchester are holding two events to mark the Summer Solstice exploring the intersection of art, myth, and science. The events feature panel discussions in celebration of renowned author Alan Garner and a reading and Q&A with novelist Sarah Perry about her new novel ‘Enlightenment’.

Creative Manchester is an interdisciplinary research platform based at The University of Manchester, championing research in creativity and creative practice, bringing together research communities with external stakeholders to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities.

Founded in 1945, Jodrell Bank’s inspirational story includes revolutionary scientific discoveries, amazing feats of engineering, the dawn of the Space Age and the creation of the Grade I listed Lovell Telescope, an icon for British science and engineering. The site is proudly owned by The University of Manchester and is part of The Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, and The Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement.

Summer Solstice at Jodrell Bank: The Three Cultures? Alan Garner: Art, Myth, Science

Date: 21 June 2024, 10.30am – 5.30pm
Location: Jodrell Bank
Tickets: £32 – £45

The day begins with a variety of panel discussions, a walk of the Jodrell Bank site and a filmed conversation with Alan Garner exploring the themes of his literary work. Alan Garner’s writing is deeply rooted in the history and landscape of Alderley Edge, draws inspiration from the area’s archaeology and the cosmic wonders observed at Jodrell Bank Observatory. In celebration of his 90^th birthday, experts from archaeology, physics, and literature will convene at Jodrell Bank to discuss the impact of Garner’s writing on their respective fields, as well as how the sciences have influenced the writer himself. Together, they will explore themes of time and place in his novels, celebrating his contribution to contemporary storytelling.

• Purchase your ticket and optional lunch and transport from Oxford Road here.

Summer Solstice at Jodrell Bank: An Evening with Sarah Perry

Date: 21 June 2024, 6.30 – 8pm
Location: Jodrell Bank
Tickets: £10 – £12

Later in the day, attendees can enjoy an evening with author Sarah Perry, featuring her latest novel, Enlightenment. Perry’s book delves into questions of faith, physics, and human emotion against the backdrop of a small town in Essex. The newest story from award-winning novelist Sarah Perry weaves a web of entangled relationships and emotion, its characters trapped within the conflict between faith and fact. Traversing some of the biggest questions on an intimate and captivating level, Enlightenment will stay with you long after closing the final page.

The event offers a chance to hear Perry discuss her creative process, read excerpts from “Enlightenment,” and participate in a Q&A session.

• Purchase your ticket and optional dinner here.

These events are part of Creative Manchester’s ‘Solstice and Equinox series’, a series of events which brings innovative creative artists to The University of Manchester’s four Cultural Institutions. Each of our unique cultural institutions – the Whitworth, the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Manchester Museum and Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre – focus on building civic, national and international partnerships to advance the social, environmental and individual wellbeing of our communities.

• Register here to receive regular updates on upcoming Creative Manchester news, events and funding opportunities.
• Connect with Creative Manchester via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.