Universally Manchester Festival – a spectacular success!
24 Jun 2024
Highlights from our bicentenary festival – four unforgettable days celebrating 200 years of our remarkable history, inspirational people, life-changing discoveries and world firsts...
We are thrilled to share highlights from our bicentenary festival Universally Manchester, which celebrated 200 years of our remarkable history, from our inspirational people to life-changing discoveries and world firsts.
Over four unforgettable days (6-9 June) we welcomed thousands of visitors to join us for imaginative and immersive events taking place across campus, and online. From entertaining talks, powerful performances, inspiring exhibitions, behind-the-scenes tours and family friendly workshops and activities, there was something for everyone!
The support of our festival partners Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, Creative Manchester, Factory International, In Place of War, Manchester Museum, the Whitworth and the Students Union of the University of Manchester was key to our success.
Celebrating our incredible people
The festival was a truly special opportunity for us to celebrate the diversity and rich heritage of our community; while showcasing all the ways we’re striving to make a difference. The enthusiasm and passion for what we do shone through at every one of the 200+ events.
A large part of that was thanks to the professional service and academic staff, alongside our student ambassadors and alumni volunteers, who played a big part in bringing the festival to life. Whether giving a talk, running a workshop, guiding visitors, managing an event, or providing some much needed behind-the-scenes support, everyone’s contributions were invaluable.
Opening our doors
Over the four days, we welcomed everyone from alumni who hadn’t returned in over 50 years and neighbours from local communities to science and arts lovers and so many friends and family. Whether making the most of a wellbeing workshop, crafting lanterns, exploring the wonders of the Universe at the packed-out Brian Cox lecture or enjoying a dance at Mr Wilson’s Second Liners, it was a celebration to remember.
Relive the Festival Highlights
The festival was filled with memorable moments that showcased the breadth of our impact. If you couldn’t join us or want to relive the experience, you can access our recorded events here on the Universally Manchester website.
Highlights include the stories of lost urban music in Manchester, the history of Jodrell Bank with their Director Tim O’Brien,a powerful discussion on race and gender by our first female black professor, the incredible Dawn Edge and a fascinating Talk 200 lecture and panel discussion on inequalities and the access to justice with our Chancellor and former Chief Crown Prosecutor for north-west England, Nazir Afzal. Nazir’s lecture is also available as a podcast on Spotify and Apple music.
And there are fantastic exhibitions still available to enjoy on campus. Explore two architecture exhibitions in the foyer of Alliance Manchester Business School until late July and the colourful Teenage Kicks over at the National Graphene Institute Gallery until the Autumn.
Share your best festival moments
You can check out some of the highlights from the weekend on our social channels – Instagram and X. We’ve loved seeing everyone’s festival reflections so make sure you continue to tag #UoM200.
Once again, thank you to everyone who joined us for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of our two centuries of history. Here’s to the next 200!