Search for a superhero

What’s that coming over the hill? Is it a monster? Is it a monster?

No, it’s a child. Children from Playworks nursery in Urmston transformed themselves into heroes and monsters last week at Manchester Art Gallery. The children and their dramatic outfits helped launch the gallery’s quest to find a new superhero for the city, in celebration of their family-friendly exhibition, Heroes and Monsters.

Would they rather fly like Superman, have super strength like Hercules, shoot thunderbolts like Zeus, or move things with their mind like Roald Dahl's Matilda?

The children dressed up as their favourite heroes and monsters from Wonder Woman to Frankenstein’s Monster (and his bride). And now the gallery wants to know what kind of immortal superpower the region’s children would most like to possess and who they believe is their ultimate hero or monster.

Will The Incredible Hulk beat Superman to reign supreme and will Voldemort unseat Dracula as the scariest monster around?

To take part, children need to visit the Manchester Art Gallery website (click here).

All they have to do is complete a quick online questionnaire and write a few words about what kind of superheroes they would like to be.

What would they pick as their immortal superpower? Would they rather fly like Superman, have super strength like Hercules, shoot thunderbolts like Zeus, or move things with their mind like Roald Dahl's Matilda? If somebody could grant their wish for a super power, how would they use it? Would they play pranks on friends or spend time helping save those in need?

Whoever comes up with the gallery’s favourite answer will win their very own, made-to-measure superhero costume, created by up and coming fashion designer Asha Modi from Mansfield who currently holds the title of North West Young Designer of the Year.

The costume will be created to reflect their immortal superpower, giving them a head start in their superhero career. Ten runners up will also win a Heroes and Monsters goodie bag, jam-packed with fun stuff linked to the exhibition.

Families can also have fun visiting the free Heroes and Monsters exhibition (until 19 September), featuring a fantastic mural by artist Jim Medway that brings Classical Greek superbeings into the modern world.

As part of their visit, families can create their own mythical stories on a giant fuzzy felt wall and act out heroic tales in a soft play and dressing up area. They can also go on a Hero Quest and meet the classical heroes and mythic monsters that lurk among the gallery's sculptures and watch from the paintings on its walls. Dressing-up for the Quest is definitely encouraged, whether as a favourite hero or monster or in any costume that takes their fancy.

There are workshops for families every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (until 27 August, 1 - 3pm), including the chance to make a DIY superheroes outfit from headdresses to hero belts, super-cuffs and sashes using paper, card and colourful collage material. The exhibition and all the associated activities are free.