200 Years of the University of Manchester, four days of celebration
Experience everything from poetry to physics, music to medicine, computing to creative writing and more. Discover entertaining talks and powerful performances, explore inspiring exhibitions and immersive art installations, get creative at a drop-in craft session and try amazing hands-on science activities. And when you need a break? Visit the Festival Village for artisan food and handmade crafts, and let loose at our Carnival takeover of the Whitworth.
The Festival takes place across the University, with the following activities taking place here at AMBS.
Building Towards Bicentenary: Exhibition
When: Thursday, 6 June–Saturday, 8 June
Explore a compelling, visually stunning exhibition that takes you through 200 years of built environment at The University of Manchester.
Original architectural drawings, detailed maps and aerial photographs will showcase how the University’s buildings and grounds have changed over time – and there’ll be an opportunity to take an inside look at the designs and planning that shape the distinctive campus we know today.
Read more about the Bicentenary Exhibition >>
Shaping our Campus Exhibition: Past, Present and Future
When: Thursday, 6 June–Saturday, 8 June
For 200 years The University of Manchester has developed buildings and spaces to support world-class education and research – and this gripping exhibition by the Manchester Urban Design (MUD) Lab celebrates how our physical campus has grown and adapted over time.
Step through four distinct eras of the Oxford Road campus and be sure to check out the exhibition’s centrepiece: a custom 3D model showing the current campus layout, designed and delivered by the MUD-Lab team.
Read more about the Campus Exhibition >>
Behind-the-Scenes Lab Tours: Data Visualisation Observatory
When: Friday, 7 June
The first of its kind in the UK, the large-scale visualisation facility at Alliance Manchester Business School offers interactive 3D visualisation of data and virtual reality-style immersive worlds.
In this special session, you’ll receive a tour of the facility and discover the different ways it can be used for research, student projects, ‘crisis room’ group decision-making and teaching.
All Voices Heard: Making Cities a Great Place to Age
When: Thursday, 6 June
In cities across the globe, older people have fascinating stories and experiences to share about what makes a city a great place to grow old in. This event brings together members of the Manchester Urban Ageing Research Group’s Older People’s Forum to capture some of these remarkable tales.
The event will feature an exclusive screening of a new, powerful short film capturing just what ‘age-friendly’ means and sharing the views of older people who can help us understand how we make cities a desirable place to live out the later years of life.
Following the event enjoy a complimentary hot drink and cake of your choice from Cafe 65 in AMBS.
Find out more about this interactive talk >>
Community Fair
When: Saturday, 8 June
Our Community Fair is jam-packed with interactive activities for all ages. Whether you’re interested in science, arts, engineering or history, there’s plenty of hands-on fun and opportunities for discovery and play.
The Community Fair is a great way to find out what we do at The University of Manchester and why we do it – all while having a heap of fun!
The Fair is taking place across the University, with plenty happening here at AMBS:
The Shoopery: Feel Free and Let Go
Chinese Games, Crafts and Culture: Celebrating Diversity and Harmony
ID Manchester: Help Us Bring a New Neighbourhood to Life
And lots more – see the full list here
Universally Manchester
Access to the festival is free and open to all, however some of our most popular events will be ticketed due to their popularity.