Ever wanted to create a cyber-teddy, learn to computer code or sculpt your very own silver ring?
MakeFest is your chance to try all this and more as inventors, artists, hackers, crafters and techies take over the Museum of Science and Industry for two jam-packed days of hands-on creative fun, this weekend on August 8 to 9.
This make ‘n’ do event features everything from traditional crafts to the latest innovations all with a DIY element. Its Revolution Manchester gallery will be transformed into a high-tech/lo-tech hub with live 3D printing, soldering workshops and maker groups from all over the North West on hand to show and tell.
The Textile Gallery will be hosting tube knitting with artist Lucy Buscough, toddler activities with the Nappy Science Gang and PatternCraft, a combination of the video game sensation Minecraft with centuries old weaving technology.
In the Power Hall, there’ll be molten glass demonstrations, working models of engines and wind-up toy making. Most events, including a giant pendulum wave and the Noisy Toys which roam the grounds with their Audio Assault Buggy are drop in and free.
For those who want to experience a more intense making experience, there are specialist, charged workshops where you can build a set of bagpipes or sculpt your own unique silver ring
“Manchester has always been a place of grassroots innovation” says MakeFest organiser and Contemporary Science Event Manager, Susannah Williams.
. “From the Industrial Revolution through to Graphene, the city has always used technology in lots of different ways, from the serious to the entertaining. MakeFest is inspired by this history but also showcases what’s happening today. Groups and individuals from across the North West are mixing old school engineering with cutting edge technology and developing new and innovative ways of using both.”
MakeFest is a great opportunity for the public to try their hand at new things and for families to make things together. Susannah continues “It’s really a place where our visitors can try something new and discover skills they didn’t know they had. They can connect with these groups, get really hands-on with the technology and, who knows, maybe invent the next big thing.”
MakeFest runs at the Museum of Science and Industry from Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 August.
