Out And About - November

Peg Mirror, 2007, Daniel RozinDark Matters Exhibition at Whitworth Gallery
From now until Sunday 15 January 2012, Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm, Sunday noon – 4pm
NEW major exhibition centred on the theme of shadow, technology and art. This innovative show has strong interactive and digital elements making it perfect for families to explore. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to explore works of art in a unique, playful and magical space. A programme of fun and free workshops adds an extra dimension to the exhibition throughout October. In the workshops, children can explore different drawing techniques and use shadow art to create puppets, spooky pictures and frightening mobiles.
The Whitworth Art Gallery, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk. Suitable for all ages. Free.

Terje IsungsetIce Day at The Royal Northern College Of Music
Sunday 6 November, 1.30pm - 4.30pm
JOIN Norwegian instrumentalist and composer Terje Isungset and artist Anne Fox-Kelly for a fun filled afternoon of family friendly activities.
Terje is renowned for performing on ice instruments honed from the ice of Norway’s mountains. On Sunday afternoon children will get the opportunity to sculpt an ice-o-phone and make music using just sticks and stones.
RNCM, 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9RD, 0161 907 5555, www.rncm.ac.uk, Suitable for children aged seven to twelve years and thier grown-ups. All children must be accompanied by an adult.  Tickets £6 per person.

Ballroom Sunday at The Lowry
Sunday 6 November, 11am – 12.30pm, Tea Dance 1pm – 2.30pm
WITH the huge success of Top Hat starring Tom Chambers & Summer Strallen at The Lowry this Autumn we are offering you the opportunity to come along and have a go yourself!
There is a Ballroom dancing workshop in the morning with teacher Darren Hulme followed by a social tea-dance in the afternoon.
Darren Hulme is a well known and highly respected ballroom teacher and Choreographer having trained the 2003 and 2004 British Formation Champions. Go along and have a fun day out that the whole family can enjoy.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ, www.thelowry.com, Suitable for children age eight years plus. Ticket: Child £3, Adult £6.

Mini Art Club at Manchester Art Gallery
Friday 11 November, 10.15am – 11.15am & 11.30am – 12.30pm
SENSORY play for you and your baby/toddler with a different theme each month.  Bookings are taken one week before the event.
Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, M3 3JL, www.manchestergalleries.org. Suitable for families with children of all ages. Free.

Field of poppies at Imperial War Museum North
Saturday 5 –  Saturday 12 November, 1pm - 4pm
TO mark Remembrance join in with a special craft session where you can design and create your own field of poppies as an attractive light catcher using colourful acetate shapes.
Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf, Trafford Park, M17 1TZ, www.northiwm.org.uk, Suitable for children age five years plus. Free.

Inside DNA at MOSI
Now  – Sunday 13 November, 10am - 5pm
A little DNA can make a big difference. This touring exhibition from At-Bristol will help you get to grips with genetics by looking at subjects such as identity, health and evolution. Inside DNA is designed to attract visitors from a wide range of backgrounds and is accessible to adults and students. A Genomic Revolution is a unique exhibition encouraging you to explore developments in the fast-moving field of human genomics - and the ethical issues that they raise. What impact will current research have on you and on your family's future?
MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester), Liverpool Road, Castlefield, M3 4FP, www.mosi.org.uk, 0161 832 2244. Suitable for children aged 14 upwards. Free

Santa Specials at East Lancashire Railway
Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 November, 10am - 4pm
STEP on board the beautifully decorated vintage carriages and watch the steam train gently chugging along the wintry countryside of the Irwell Valley. It’s a merry old time as brass bands play Christmas carols, costumed characters entertain families and the railway comes alive with hundreds of twinkling lights.
Climb aboard and soak up the magical atmosphere as the steam-hauled Santa Train travels from Bury to Ramsbottom and back and Santa and his little helpers slowly make their way through the train handing out a gift to each child and a mince pie and sherry to the adults.
It’s a Christmas steam adventure waiting for you to climb aboard.
East Lancashire Railway, Bolton Street Station, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EY, www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk, 0161 7467790, suitable for all the family, Adults (aged 16 and over) £12.50, Children (aged 3+) £10.50, Children (aged under 3) £10.50 (seated) £7.50 (unseated)