MakeFest 2019 at the Science and Industry Museum
Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
There is always something out of the ordinary to get involved in at the expansive Science & Industry Museum but MakeFest, its annual weekend of coding, crafting and creating, is not to be missed.
From low to high-tech creative endeavours and everything in between, the mission here is to “try everything, make something, and get your geek on”.
Expect to meet (and help) leading scientists and creatives from across the North.
MakeFest is supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Ingenious scheme. It seems fitting then, that the sky’s the limit with the ambition of the programme. Drive a buggy across a moonscape and make your own rocket. Create to your heart’s desire by designing your own work and see it laser engraved, turn your colourful creations into music, make a supersonic orchestra of silly noises or solder your own light-up badge to take home.
Engineer a secure bridge with folk from the Institution of Civil Engineers or build a straw tower to withstand an earthquake. Meet amazing makers from the Manchester Girl Geeks team and take part in a puzzle trail. Phew.
If that ain’t enough to keep you out of trouble, throughout the rest of the half-term, other scientific shenanigans continue in the museum’s Tinkertastic programme.
We love that you can explore and celebrate the best global innovations that have been invented through DIY, tinkering and making at a site which itself embodies how ideas have changed the world at the site of the first passenger railway.
Daily Science Showdowns with live experiments reveal the tales of famous inventors and makers who got it wrong first time and, through trial and error, succeeded.
Get involved in drop-in making sessions to Build a Band and create musical instruments out of scrap and Made-up Machines together.
The joy is, it doesn’t matter if you are geeky, arty or haven’t a clue how to start. At MakeFest and Tinkertastic it’s about trying and making something new in a brilliantly supportive and energetic environment that you won’t forget in a hurry.
