Try the Victorian Photo Booth at Steam, Sweat and Sewers.
When: 14th – 22nd February 2015
Where: MOSI, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester M3 4FP
£: Free
What is it?
Experience the smells, sounds and sights of Victorian life at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) in Manchester this half term. Steam, Sweat and Sewers returns for nine jam-packed, fun-filled days from 14th to 22nd February 2015. From story-telling to slime-making, fairground fun to photo-booth frivolity; this family friendly extravaganza brings to life the vibrant, noisy and steam-powered days of 19th Century Manchester.
Witness the transformation of the museum’s former railway yard into a colourful and traditional fairground and breathe in the steam that powered industry. Step back in time to experience all the fun of the Victorian fair and try your hand at the coconut shy, ride the carousel horses or slide down the helter skelter. Follow in the footsteps of Manchester’s John Benjamin Dancer, the Victorian pioneer of scientific instruments and make your own take home Microscope using pop-bottles.
Discover just how filthy Victorian Manchester really was in Goo in the Loo; a hands-on and get your hands-dirty workshop shedding light on the city’s drainage systems. Toilet humour and mess are guaranteed. Lovers of all things ‘yukky’ will get an extra treat at the Punk Science Show. Journey into the most disgusting show ever, from how poo is made to what happens to it afterwards.
Additional activities include the Revolution Manchester Show, celebrating great Victorian engineering achievements, as well as workshops, demonstrations and a chance to delve into a reconstructed Victorian sewer. Finally, help the children of the mill turn their grim reality into the colourful world of the circus in Pablo Fanque’s Circus.
The half term highlights:
Pablo Fanque’s Circus of Dreams at The 1830’S Warehouse
Roll up! Roll up! Calling all lion tamers, strongmen, magicians and elephants! Help the children of the mill turn their grim reality into the colourful world of the circus in this fun and interactive storytelling session. At 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, and 2pm.
Victorian Engine Demonstrations at the Durn Mill Engine, Power Hall
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of one of the 19th century engines. This powerful demonstration introduces the ideas and machines that caused a world-wide revolution. At 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm, and 3.30pm.
The Revolution Manchester Show at the Revolution Manchester Gallery
Manchester built our world. With explosions and flying, see how. This interactive, fun show tells the story of how science and industry came together in Manchester, shaping our lives today. At 11am, 12pm 1pm, and 2pm.
Weaving Workshop at the Textiles Gallery
Learn more about the life of a Victorian weaver by making your own cardboard loom and creating your own colourful fabric in this drop-in workshop. From 11am to 1pm (drop-in).
Manchester Mills at the Textiles Gallery
What’s a flying shuttle? Where’s the Devil-Hole? And who’s a scavenger? Learn about the industry that built a city. This thunderous demonstration of historical mill machinery spins, bobs and weaves cotton into cloth. At 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, and 2.30pm.
Goo in the Loo! at the 1830 Warehouse, Mezzanine Level
If you want to learn just how filthy Victorian Manchester really was, then join in with this messy hands-on workshop. It will be slippery, slimy and absolutely sludgetastic! At 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, and 3pm. Please note the workshop is limited to 30 people, first come-first served.
Victorian Photo Booth at the Main Entrance
Ever wondered what you would have looked like if you had been born in Victorian Manchester? Try on all manner of Victorian outfits and accessories from bonnets to beards, and everything in between, at the Victorian Photo Booth.
Victorian Fairground, Upper Yard
The fairground is coming to MOSI, giving you the chance to experience authentic Victorian rides and try your hand at traditional fairground games. From 10.30pm to 5pm. Charges apply.
Pop-Bottle Microscope Workshop at the Power Hall Platform
Walk in the footsteps of Manchester’s John Benjamin Dancer, Victorian pioneer of scientific instruments. Discover the wonder of different materials up close and the science behind microscopes by building your own pop-bottle microscope in this interactive family workshop. From 2pm to 4.30pm (drop-in).
Punk Science presents The Most Disgusting Show in the World at Revolution Manchester
Meet the Science Museum’s resident comedy team as they take you on a journey into literally the most disgusting show ever; from how poo is made to what happens to it afterwards. There will be revolting demonstrations and gross experiments and a bit of comedy, music, interactive voting and probably some plastic balls. On 17th and 18th February at 12pm and 2pm.