Welcoming our local neighbours and friends on to campus for the University’s Community Festival
On Saturday 10 June the University welcomed over 2,350 people from our local and wider communities onto campus for our seventh annual Community Festival. For this free event we opened our doors to the public to come inside and find out all about our research, learning and cultural work. The day offered opportunities for our staff, students, and community partners to engage with our visitors through more than 60 interactive activities and inspiring conversations across science, art, engineering and history.
This year, we welcomed the return of Manchester Museum as a host venue. Activities included, musical storytelling performances “Music is in our DNA”, a collaboration with the Olympias Music Foundation and “Digital Immersion: an immersive African experience”. Alongside these were hands-on activities with community partners Ardwick Climate Action and the opportunity to discover the wonders of the universe with the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement team.
Other popular activities included taking part in virtual reality games, building bridges from chocolate, exploring the science of sound, sharing memories of Manchester, getting creative with ‘found poetry’, and a sensory play zone for the under 2’s and their grown-ups. Outdoor activities included a helter-skelter, climbing wall, sporting challenges and forest school inspired play with local artists and the Whitworth.
One visitor said of the Festival: “It’s great that this event runs all day, is local and free. We really enjoy all the activities, welcoming atmosphere, and interacting with different families.”
Mags Bradbury, Head of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement, said, “It’s wonderful to see The University of Manchester deliver its promise to be a civic partner in Greater Manchester. The Community Festival is a great way for people to explore our campus, find out what we do and why, or just have fun!”
And this sentiment is echoed by more than 280 of our staff, students and partners who were involved in coordinating and delivering the festival providing a friendly, inclusive, and enjoyable day for all ages.
The Community Festival will return on the 8 June 2024 as part the University’s bicentennial celebration! We hope you can join us!