Universally Manchester Festival

The University of Manchester invites you to their annual Universally Manchester Festival a free family-friendly event at its iconic Oxford Road Campus.

Each year the Festival welcomes thousands of visitors from across Greater Manchester and beyond to a take part in a day of curiosity, inspiration and play. Science experiments, creative workshops, performances and heritage tours offer opportunities to explore what makes for a greener, healthier and fairer world.

Hands-on fun

With over 80 interactive stalls there’s something for everyone. From atoms to art, music to medicine and poetry to planets there’s plenty to discover and do. Take a journey through the body and learn what makes us human, find out how diverse cultures, creativity and wellbeing come together, unearth fascinating stories of space, technology and engineering.

Creativity and culture

The day will also celebrate the University’s vibrant cultural institutions, including Manchester Museum, Jodrell Bank, and the Whitworth, who will host a programme of activities throughout the day as part of the Festival.  

Pop along to Manchester Museum and follow a unique trail celebrating different languages from around the world, explore the fossils gallery with investigative archaeology, and visit the Human Natures exhibition which asks whether we are losing our connection with nature?

The Jodrell Bank engagement team are joining us on campus to help answer some of the biggest questions about the universe and our place in it. Unearth stories across science, heritage and culture, guide robots on a journey through space and make your own iconic Lovell Telescope.

At the Whitworth, festivalgoers can immerse themselves in playful spaces – get ready to build, explore and reimagine, get crafty with Venture Arts and Muslim Artists Academy creative workshops, and take part in an interactive storytelling and drumming session with Afrocats musicians.  

Ideas and conversations

One of the Festival’s standout features is the Bee Curious programme, featuring thought-provoking talks and performances for all ages. Manchester Museum Assistant Herpetology Curator Bethany Dean will ask ‘how can we save the word’s frogs?’ Social psychologists Dr’s Doron Cohen and Stacey McKnight will take us on a deep dive into the psychology behind ‘The Traitors’. You’ll also hear original verses from school-aged writers sharing poetry on their reflections on the world around us.  

From Manchester for the world

Meet up with our heritage specialist to tour the campus and hear how the University’s history has shaped innovation and society. From the fight for women’s access to equal participation in education, to radical thoughts and pioneering individuals, the University’s work has led to groundbreaking discoveries that impact everyday life.

Connections and partnerships

Visit the University Community Allotment, a partnership between the University of Manchester and Ardwick Climate Action. Explore biodiversity at the allotment, get your hands dirty and plant sunflower seeds to take home and grow.

Continue your investigation of nature alongside the team from the Firs Botanical Gardens. Learn how growing plants for food, beauty, or science connects us with the environment and supports sustainability.

And finally find out more about Manchester as a UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning and learn how The University of Manchester as key partner of this civic priority is helping to create a healthier and more inclusive city.