Bee Curious at the Universally Manchester Festival
News
Join us in our festival dome on Williamson Square, for the Bee Curious programme – featuring inspiring, thought-provoking talks and interactive performances for all ages. Programme highlights include:
11:00am – Out of this World
Take an interstellar journey and find out about other worlds with Dr Eamonn Kerins as the Jodrell Bank Alien. We know that our star, the Sun, has eight planets, including Earth – our home. But do other stars in our Galaxy have planets and are any of them like Earth? Eammon shares what astronomers are finding out about other worlds out there, and whether it’s possible some of them may have life on them.
12:00pm – Voice-hearing: Mental illness or Gift from God
In this reflective talk Professor Dawn Edge and her collaborator Rev Paul Grey discuss hearing voices that other people can’t. This is one of the main experiences used to diagnose schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. However, not everyone regards voice-hearing negatively. Dawn will ask to what extent does current thinking embrace different viewpoints and what does this mean for ‘person-centred’ mental healthcare?
1:00pm – Your Brain on Beauty
We’ve all heard that beauty is in the eye of the beholder – but what does that mean for our brain? Dr Sarah Fox and Dr Henry McPherson explore the science and art behind how our brains respond to everyday environments, the people we see, the places we visit and how these experiences make us feel. Join them for an interactive talk which will help you tune in to your brain and body.
2:00pm – Creativity, Wellbeing and Poetry
Find joy in the everyday with Manchester-based poet, Rebecca Hurst, sharing Wendy Cope’s poem ‘The Orange’. Take in this collaborative talk exploring the links between creativity and wellbeing. Rebecca will also be joined by Tallula-Rose Quinton, a graduating student who will perform poems exploring the body and non-human voices.
2:45pm – Schools Poetry Competition: Connected Science
We welcome this year’s winners of our annual Schools Poetry Competition to perform their work at this special prize giving ceremony. The competition encourages young people from local schools in Greater Manchester to use poetry as a means of self-expression. Hear fantastic verse read by a bright young generation of new writers.
4:00pm – The Rhythm of Life
World-renowned Afrobeat musician Sens Sagna and Dr Anita Greenhill bring their vibrant presentation and performance to the festival. Expect thrilling drums, uplifting dance, and an interactive talk as Sens and Anita share their messages of ‘creative resilience – positive action’. And you’re invited to take part in the drumming circle!
We hope you can join us for this engaging Bee Curious programme – it’s not to missed and has something for everyone.
While a limited number of tickets may be available for drop-in visitors on the day, we recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.