'Mind-blowing' New Scientist Live festival comes to Manchester this March

An award-winning science festival is coming to Manchester for the first time.

Following a successful five-year run in London, visitors from across the north west are expected to descend on Manchester Central for the New Scientist Live festival.

It's running over three days next month, with the weekend open to all and the Monday for school groups and home learners.

More than 40 speakers and 30 exhibitors are expected at the event, alongside a global audience of thousands registered to view online.

Organisers say it will give visitors a chance to 'meet the people who are shaping the world of science and technology and get up close and personal with immersive scientific activities'.

There'll be everything from VR gaming, robots and experiments, to a pop-up planetarium and the chance to experience 'the smell of space'.

Of course there will be plenty to keep younger ones engaged - including a giant game of Operation and a giant sneeze demonstration - using a 'snot gun' to see how far a sneeze can travel.

The event, aimed at 'everyone curious about science and why it matters', runs from March 12 to 14 and promises to 'stimulate, challenge and inspire with some of today’s biggest scientific discoveries and ideas'.

Adrian Newton, commercial and events director of New Scientist Live, said: "We are bringing to Manchester a mind-blowing festival of ideas and discoveries for anyone curious about science and technology and why it matters.

"It’s amazing to host this event in Manchester which is, of course, internationally recognised as one of the leading global science and technology hubs.

“The event is aimed at anyone who has an enquiring and inquisitive mind.

"The unique mix of demonstrations, discussions and interactive