There’ll be plenty of Free events at May’s Museums at Night.
Don’t let a lack of cash stop you going out and enjoying a weekend of arts and culture. Contrary Life brings you a round-up of our favourite free, frivolous and informative events, happening as part of Museums at Night. Compiled especially for the cash strapped amongst you…
Synaesthesia
When: 13th May 2016, 5pm – 10pm
Where: 92 Degrees Coffee, Liverpool, Merseyside
£: Free. Adult only event
What is it?
Visitors can enjoy a night of experimentation as Draw & Code promise to stimulate and confuse the senses using a mixture of mediums and technologies. There will be dancing light, tasty sounds, music made from bananas and coffee that tastes like chocolate.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk
Interactive Live Drawing
When: 12th May 2016, 6.30pm – 10pm
Where: Manchester Museum, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL
What is it?
There’ll be a drop-in interactive workshop within the stunning setting of the Living Worlds gallery. Visitors will be able to join in and see their work projected in the space, alongside atmospheric, immersive performances scored by sound artist JC.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk
The Cage of Experiments
When: 13th May 2016, 5pm – 10pm
Where: The Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 3BX
£: Free
What is it?
Visitors will be able to enjoy an eclectic mix of music, theatre and performance from Liverpool’s alternative creative community. Curated by Katy-Anne Bellis of Caustic Widows, a giant birdcage will be filled with a feast of visual and musical experiments. There’ll be a mass group waltz, a chance to discover acrobatic parrots, and ambient sounds throughout the night.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk
Talk Nerdy to Me III
When: 13th May 2016, 5pm – 9pm
Where: Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Market Square, Preston, Lancashire PR1 2PP
£: Free
What is it?
Nerdycon will be celebrating geekiness with cosplay, competitions, artists, authors, and tuck shop-style refreshments at the Harris Museum. Talk Nerdy to Me III will be hosting a FanFiction competition with the theme of Friday 13th, the winner will be announced at the event.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk
Tunnel Tours
When: 13th May 2016, 7pm – 11pm
Where: Victoria Tunnel, Arch 6 Stepney Bank, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2NP
£: Free (book in advance)
What is it?
Victoria Tunnel taster tours will be taking place on 13th May. Visitors will be guided into the depths of the earth to discover how the tunnel was once used as a colliery waggonway.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk
Not Your Average Library
When: 14th May 2016, 7pm – 11pm
Where: Mining Institute, Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE
£: Free
What is it?
Visitors can enjoy everything you wouldn’t expect in a library with this event. Fire eaters, music, comedy, laughter and flying acrobats combine to illuminate the Mining Institute. Visitors will be able to explore the nooks and crannies of this hidden architectural gem and stumble upon circus cabaret acts performed by Circus Central and eclectic live music from the house band.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk
Ground Control to Major Tim
When: 14th May 2016, 7pm – 11pm
Where: Ampersand Inventions, Commercial Union House 39 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle NE1 6QE
£: Free
What is it?
Ampersand Inventions invites guests to Mission Control for a stellar evening of creativity and curiosities. Celebrating Tim Peake’s mission on the ISS with the bright stars of Ampersand, collaborators Maker Space and Praxis Gallery. Visitors will be able to enjoy mesmerizing demonstrations, kaleidoscopic cocktails, outer-space TED talks and mini lectures.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk
Physical at The Portico Library
When: 12th May 2016, 8pm – 9pm
Where: The Portico Library and Gallery, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HY
£: Free
What is it?
A chance to spend the evening in the exquisite Georgian Portico Library and watch a free performance. Visitors can join Poet and Guardian First Book Award-winner Andrew McMillan as he teams up with contemporary dancer and choreographer Joshua Hubbard for an intimate performance of reading and dance.
More info: museumsatnight.org.uk