Get ready to embark on an exciting digital journey with Wallace & Gromit and Vaughan Williams this Summer.
For two weeks in June, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of digital experiences for the public.
We are thrilled to announce that Manchester Libraries are one of the nine library services in England selected to participate in the groundbreaking Digital Spaces program. This innovative initiative, in collaboration with Arts Council England, BFI, with National Lottery Funding, and The Space, is launching in 2025 and promises to revolutionise digital engagement and accessibility in our libraries.
What You Can Look Forward to this June
Get ready to be amazed by a new collection of VR experiences right here in your local library!
Supported by the BFI with National Lottery funding, a national tour of these state-of-the-art VR experiences will be visiting both Manchester Central Library and Wythenshawe Forum Library for a full week each this June.
Amongst the thrilling programme of VR experiences on offer, visitors to the libraries will be able to immerse themselves in experiences such as:
- Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Join the beloved Aardman characters on a new immersive adventure.
- The Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’s masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.
- Monoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices of three women in this immersive XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.
- Berlin Blitz: 80 years on from VE Day, step back in time to this especially tense period of WWII history.
- Phase Space: A multi-sensory, immersive experience that provides immediate stress and anxiety relief by harnessing the power of VR to transport you to a place where you can relax and re-set your mind, emerging refreshed in just seven minutes.
Embark on an exciting digital journey with us this Summer.
The VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in open drop-in sessions as part of the Festival of Libraries, plus for a series of bookable sessions between 7th -19th June.
Availability is as follows:
Central Library
Saturday 7th June – Festival of Libraries @ Central Library
- Drop In Session [10.00-12.00]
- Drop In Session [14.00-16.00]
Sunday 8th June – Festival of Libraries @ Central Library
- Drop In Session [12.00-16.00]
Monday 9th June – Bookable Sessions @ Central Library
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [11.00 – 12.00]
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [13.00 – 14.00]
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [15.00 – 16.00]
Tuesday 10th June – Bookable Sessions @ Central Library
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [11.00 – 12.00]
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [17.00 – 18.00]
Wednesday 11th June – Bookable Sessions @ Central Library
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [11.00 – 12.00]
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [15.00 – 16.00]
Thursday 12th June – Drop In Sessions @ Central Library
- Drop In Session [10.00 – 12.00]
- Drop In Session [16.00 – 19.00]
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Wythenshawe Forum Library
Monday 16th June – Bookable Sessions @ Wythenshawe Forum
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [10.00 – 11.00]
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [13.00 – 14.00]
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [14.00 – 15.00]
Tuesday 17th June – Bookable Sessions @ Wythenshawe Forum
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [10.00 – 11.00]
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [13.00 – 14.00]
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [14.00 – 15.00]
Wednesday 18th June – Bookable Sessions @ Wythenshawe Forum
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [10.00 – 11.00]
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [13.00 – 14.00]
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [14.00 – 15.00]
Thursday 19th June – Bookable Sessions @ Wythenshawe Forum
- Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [14.00 – 15.00]
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All bookable Central Library sessions can be booked here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/manchester-library-and-information-service-1789184229
