On Saturday 13 June 2026, The University of Manchester opened its doors to welcome over 2,700 visitors from our local neighbourhoods and beyond for our annual free, family friendly Universally Manchester Festival. 

The Festival brings to life our ongoing civic commitment to sharing our research, teaching, and cultural work with the public in ways that are inclusive, engaging, and meaningful. Offering over 80 hands-on activities, the day was an opportunity for colleagues, students, community partners and festivalgoers to explore what makes for a greener, healthier and fairer world. 

Some of this year’s highlights included our research platforms sharing a wide range of digital and creative activities from musical puppetry to exploring what keeps us healthy, and sparking conversations about sustainability and environmental change.  

Our cultural institutions brought their own creativity and vibrancy to the day. The Jodrell Bank engagement team joined us on campus, inviting visitors to explore the universe and our place within it.  Together with their community partners, The Whitworth offered a variety of imaginative workshops, while Manchester Museum hosted a language trail through its galleries and exhibitions, alongside fossil exploration and maker workshops for all ages.  

Visitors also had the chance to engage with some of our partners. Through Manchester’s UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning partnership, they discovered how cleaner air can help create a healthier future. Microsoft’s Social Mobility team invited families to build games and adventures using Minecraft, artificial intelligence and other digital technologies. Aspire Recruitment shared how they support local people to secure employment opportunities at the University, alongside our Careers, Access and Success, and Graduation teams. 

Meanwhile the University – Community Allotment, in partnership  with Ardwick Climate Action, provided a space for reflection and connection with nature. Visitors including Professor Duncan Ivison, University President and Vice Chancellor, learned about the role of biodiversity, sustainable growing practices and planted sunflower seeds to take home and nurture.  

The Bee Curious programme filled the day with lively talks and performances. Dr Ryan Devlin explored the invisible world of the air we breathe, while Drs Stacey McKnight and Doron Cohen challenged audiences to spot lies and uncover the psychology behind ‘The Traitors’. Bethany Dean and Finn Baverstock led visitors into the fascinating world of frogs, and Dr Sarah Crowther shared discoveries from asteroid Bennu samples. Manchester-based poet Rebecca Hurst joined young poets from the annual Schools Poetry Competition to share powerful verses on Globally Curious: Voices from the Earth, before Afrocats musician Godfrey Pampalipe brought the programme to a rhythmic, joyful close. 

We thank everyone who joined us for the Universally Manchester Festival – a celebratory day of curiosity, learning, and connection. 

• Discover more on the Universally Manchester Festival website.