With the summer holidays approaching, plenty of families will be looking towards keeping the kids entertained, and educated. Thankfully, every Wednesday during the summer holidays, a real life rocket, the mighty 30-foot-tall Skybolt 2, will land in the Upper Yard at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.
As part of a summer programme filled with space exploration and entertaining education, you can get up close to a marvel of modern spaceflight, bring your burning space questions and chat with the team behind it.
Designed to reach speeds of up to 3,200 mph, Skybolt 2 first flew in September 2017 and still displays some visible marks from its landing. Visitors can revel at the real-life space craft and meet the team behind the rocket.
What’s more, you can come back each week to enjoy a different space-themed activity presented by a series of partners, experts and artists.
Science and Industry Museum free summer programme
Solar Sister performance – Wednesday 22 July
11.00–11.30, 13.00–13.30, 14.00–14.30 and 15.00–15.30
New Warehouse and Upper Yard
Experience an out‑of‑this‑world performance with artist Solar Sister, who brings space stories to life through interactive walkabout performances alongside her astronaut puppet companion.
Space LEGO – Wednesday 29 July
10.00–16.00
Revolution Manchester
Take part in space‑inspired LEGO challenges. From rockets and space stations to alien worlds and futuristic vehicles, imaginations will take off with activities hosted by Bricklands.
We Are All Astronauts! draw‑along – Wednesday 5 August
10.45, 11.45, 14.15 and 15.15
Revolution Manchester
Join a draw‑along workshop with Kate Pankhurst, bestselling author and illustrator of We Are All Astronauts, for a creative session inspired by life in space.
Solar Eclipse – Wednesday 12 August
Celebrate the solar eclipse with a special programme of activities on Wednesday 12 August. More details to be revealed soon.
Space Junk Percussion – Wednesday 19 August
10.00–12.30 and 13.30–16.30
Revolution Manchester (Upper Yard weather permitting)
Dive into a high‑energy Junk Percussion performance inspired by space waste as you explore the surprising sounds hidden in everyday items.
Solar Sister performance – Wednesday 26 August
11.00–11.30, 13.00–13.30, 14.00–14.30 and 15.00–15.30
New Warehouse and Upper Yard
Experience another out‑of‑this‑world performance with Solar Sister, bringing cosmic stories to life with her astronaut puppet companion.
Find out more about the Science and Industry Museum summer programme here.
