Variety of Life Festival

Manchester Museum

23rd August 2025

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Variety of Life Festival

Pennine Mencap presents a day of music, movement, and making – a vibrant celebration of the natural world, brought to life through song, dance, poetry, and hands-on creativity. Inspired by some of the amazing animals found at the Museum, this special event invites families to connect with nature through stories, art, and imagination.

Participants can take part in craft activities, creating animal-themed shaker instruments using recycled materials. Each instrument can be decorated to reflect a chosen ‘spirit animal’ – perhaps a polar bear, a flying lemur, or a red panda – with personality guiding the creative choices.

Live performances will feature a lively mix of music, movement, and poetry from an inclusive performance group. The programme includes choir songs, dance pieces, spoken word, and storytelling, all delivered with playful energy and thoughtful themes.

The schedule for the day is as follows:

  • Morning crafts: 10.30–11.30am

  • Morning performance: 11.45am–12.30pm

  • Afternoon crafts: 1.30–2.30pm

  • Afternoon performance: 2.45–3.30pm

The event will offer a fun, inclusive, and sensory-friendly atmosphere, welcoming people of all ages and abilities. Guests are encouraged to shake along with their handmade instruments and explore the Museum’s celebration of the natural world, hosted by Pennine Mencap.

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