This September, prepare to explore new worlds with David Attenborough, Wallace & Gromit, Matthew Bourne, Vaughan Williams and more at your local library.
For three weeks in September, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences.
Manchester Libraries are one of nine library services in England to take part in Digital Spaces, an innovative collaboration to enhance digital engagement and accessibility in libraries. This ambitious new programme is in association with Arts Council England, BFI, awarding National Lottery funding and The Space.
After a resoundingly successful debut last summer, which saw hundreds of Manchester residents dive into virtual realities, Manchester Libraries are delighted to confirm that the headsets will return for a series of FREE public drop-in sessions at Longsight Library (14-16 Sept), Gorton Hub (17-19 Sept), Abraham Moss (23 Sept), New Moston (23 Sept), The Avenue (24 Sept) and Newton Heath (27 Sept). The times of the sessions can be found below.
Across the three weeks, visitors to these libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds featuring some familiar faces, plus leap into some brand new experiences too.
Amongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings, the experiences on offer will include:
- Hold the World with Sir David Attenbrough: Embark on a groundbreaking interactive VR tour of the Natural History Museum in London with the most iconic of guides. Sir David, who was filmed by more than 100 cameras and digitally recreated as a lifelike SD hologram for the experience, acts as a private guide, imparting his expert knowledge on rare objects from †he museum’s collection, including a blue whale, a stegosaurus, and more. Get hands-on with rare specimens from its world-famous collection, and experience priceless artefacts coming back to life.
- Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Step into the shoes (and paws) of the legendary Aardman duo as they blast-off on a cracking new adventure that will take you from the familiar sights of West Wallaby Street to the strange surroundings of deep space. An interactive treat – all in glorious VR-O-Rama!
- The Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.
- Monoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices and spoken word of three women, in this poignant XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.
- **New** Doorstep Duets – An absorbing VR180 capture of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures by immersive filmmakers Neon8.
- Digital Spaces : People in Places films – short films from the local communities.
The VR headset experiences arrive as part of Manchester Libraries recently announced participation in the new Libraries Digital Network, a groundbreaking collaboration with eight other library services, including: Bradford, Cambridgeshire, Coventry, Leeds, Newham, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, and Sunderland. This innovative network is the first of its kind, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys.
The Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in a series of open drop-in sessions throughout September.
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Monday 14th Sept to Wednesday 16th Sept – Sessions @ Longsight Library
- Session times TBC – Standby for further details
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Thursday 17th September – Session @ Gorton Hub
- Drop-in Session [2:00 pm to 4:00 pm]
Saturday 19th September – Session @ Gorton Hub
- Drop-in Session [9:30 am to 11:30 am]
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Wednesday 23rd Sept – Session @ Abraham Moss
- Drop-in Session [3:30 pm to 5:00pm]
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Wednesday 23rd Sept – Session @ New Moston
- Drop-in Session [6:00 pm to 8:00pm]
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Thursday 24th September – Session @ The Avenue
- Drop-in Session [2:00 pm to 4:00pm]
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Sunday 27th September – Sessions @ Newton Heath Library
- Drop-in Session [12:00 pm to 4:00pm]
All sessions are free – just drop in.
Please make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online