University opening its virtual doors for annual community festival

The University of Manchester’s annual Community Festival returns this weekend (Friday 18 – Sunday 20 June), with a series of exciting digital events set to take place.

For this year’s festival, the University has teamed up with Manchester Museum, the Whitworth, John Rylands Research Institute and Library, and staff and students to create a series of fun and exciting digital events aimed at families, schools and local communities.

Whether you are young or old, interested in science or art, want to gets hands-on or just share some fascinating stories, there’s something happening for everyone.

The Community Festival is a great way to find out exactly what goes on at the University, to see behind the doors and engage with our staff, students and partners.

So, wherever you live and whatever age you are, we can guarantee that there will be something to interest you. Whether it’s just for fun, a bit of interactive learning or to find out more about the UK’s biggest university – everyone is welcome! Come and join us for three days of exploration, interaction and conversation.

Here’s a small taster of some of the activities on offer:

Let’s Dance: A dance programme for Museum Movers of all abilities

Join Manchester Museum and Dance Practitioner and Culture Champion Hazel Roy for this ‘Let’s Dance’ taster session. Suitable for all ages.

Art for Inventions

Learn how to use art as a tool for innovation and escapism, drawing inspiration from pieces found in the Whitworth’s collection. Suitable for families/children aged 5+.

PLAY Live Baby

Take part in some sensory play with your baby, helping to aid their development, bonding and attachment. Suitable for babies and their grown-ups.

Legend Stories behind the most celebrated Chinese Festivals

Watch the story of Qu Yuan to find out about the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival. Suitable for primary and secondary schools, families with children aged 8+ and learners of Mandarin Chinese.

Community Mapping: A little of your time to make a big difference

Help map the way for prosthetic and orthopaedic surgeons to reach those in need of healthcare and prosthetic limbs in Northern Uganda. Suitable for families/children aged 11+.

Sights, Sounds and Stories: Manchester’s Medical Histories

Join the Museum of Medicine and Health to delve into the wonderful world of eye and ear medicine through sight, sound and stories past, present and future. Suitable for families/children aged 7+.

There is much more happening - to see the full programme of activities, along with dates and times, see the Community Festival website. Follow on Facebook and Twitter (#communityfestUoM) to see updates as new events are added to the programme.