We are promised a burst of creation, experimentation and wonder for this year’s Manchester Science Festival proudly produced by the Museum of Science & Industry.

Now in its eighth year, the eleven day programme, supported by Siemens,
will be running across forty different events featuring World Premieres, internationally acclaimed art and artists, cutting-edge science, comedy, hands-on workshops, evening events, talks and a jam-packed family programme.

Among the highlights are the launch of The Museum’s stunning and timely new exhibition 3D: Printing the Future which examines how artists, designers, scientists and innovators are using this technology to turn ordinary computer data into extraordinary and sturdy physical objects.

On display for the very first time will be the first bike with a fully 3D printed metal frame, created by Bradford-based Empire Cycles and Renishaw. By using 3D printing, they have made the bike both stronger and lighter than would be possible had they stuck with traditional manufacturing methods.

Also on public display for the first time is the prototype of the radar scanner developed to detect 3D printed guns and weapons. Developed by Professor Nick Bowring and his team of researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University, this scanner is designed to scan individuals in a crowd as they pass through areas such as public spaces, gates or entrances and alert officials as soon as a threat is detected.

Also launching this year’s Manchester Science Festival at MOSI is the World Premiere of Cape Farewells Lovelock Art Commission.

In this framework internationally acclaimed artist Marcus Coates’s made a brand new audio-visual installation, The Sounds of Others, a Biophonic Line.

Inspired by the findings, writings and inventions of the famous scientist James Lovelock, this new exhibition explores the sounds of many different species of animals to reveal unimagined connections between their vocalisations.

Science also meets theatre in Transmissions a completely original piece of drama exploring the neuropsychology and impact of substance misuse and the strength of recovery.

Directed by Dr. Tuheen Huda, a practicing Intensive Care Doctor and theatre maker, devised with acclaimed writer Anneliese Mackintosh and designed by Albino Mosquito – a team of artists have been brought together to produce a brand new theatrical production at The Lowry.

Based on real life testimonies and material gained from substance misuse communities in Salford, Transmissions aims to de-stigmatise the nature of addiction through high-quality theatre, and is produced as part of the ‘Developed With The Lowry’ initiative.

The timely subject of Fracking will feature in this year’s Festival, in a one-off debate about the future of energy, hosted by Discuss, the home of the intellectually curious in Manchester.

Joining the panel is former Happy Monday’s band member, and aspiring Politician, Bez. A very outspoken, anti-fracking lobbyist, Bez’s passion is sure to add to what already promises to be a lively debate.

In a Manchester Science Festival first, the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital will host a brand new exhibition of paintings that celebrate and illustrate 200 years of amazing research into vision undertaken in Manchester. Throughout 2014, artist Lucy Burscough has created pop-up painting studios within Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. This is the resulting exhibition,Look200.

Television’s favourite astronomer Mark Thompson comes to the Manchester Science Festival to talk all things galactic: from satellites to supernovas, from parsecs to planispheres. And young stargazers are invited to Jodrell Bank to learn more about stars in an interactive science show, watch live demonstrations and experience a few loud bangs.

The festival will mark the first Festival for the Museum’s brand new Director, Sally MacDonald:

“I am thrilled to be joining MOSI as the excitement for this year’s Festival really begins to build. The Festival is the jewel in the Museum’s programming crown and such an important event for Manchester as a whole. It brings a national and international spotlight on our wonderful site and the many impressive institutions and venues this great city has to offer. It’s the perfect opportunity to enhance the Museum’s growing reputation for showcasing both contemporary and cutting edge science and cultural delights. We are also delighted to have the continued support of Siemens as we enter our eighth and most creatively diverse year yet.”

With too many events to list we recommend that you take a look at the festival website.

About Manchester will be previewing some of the events nearer the time so watch this space

Manchester Science Festival 2014
Museum of Science & Industry, and other venues across Greater Manchester
23 October to 2 November
http://www.manchestersciencefestival.com

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