Join The Party This May Half-Term At The National Science And Media Museum

Join the party this May half term at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford with a week of free family friendly activities inspired by new exhibition Setting the Stage: 70 Years of the Eurovision Song Contest.

From Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May, visitors of all ages can get involved with free activities bringing to life themes of performance, music and stage technology explored in the new exhibition. Daily Pop-Up Parties include music in the museum foyer, silent discos and free photo opportunities, complete with sparkly themed dress up, as well as hands on crafts including glow in the dark badge making.

Families can also put their Eurovision Song Contest knowledge to the test in Setting the Stage: The Gameshow. Visit the exhibition to discover more about the technology that has made the Eurovision Song Contest possible over the last 70 years, then go head-to-head in the new interactive show led by the museum’s expert team of Explainers. Visitors can also get creative and make their own keys to represent their hometown, inspired by the Eurovision Song Contest Insignia Keys on display in the exhibition which represent different host cities.

Visitors can also enjoy free interactive gallery spaces across the museum. In Wonderlab, visitors are encouraged to think like a scientist and explore light and sound through hands on displays and experiments. In the Sound and Vision galleries they can also explore 200 years of history, delving into the past, present and future of media technologies by trying their hand at radio broadcasting, witnessing the fascinating world of practical effects for film and TV and experiencing the thrill of live music events.

The fun continues across the museum with ultimate gaming experience Power Up (entry £3) bringing generations of games together, from the ‘arcade boom’ of the 1970s to iconic home consoles and new releases from local developers. Visitors can complete their day in the museum’s IMAX – the largest screen in Yorkshire – with regular screenings of 45-minute documentaries (£9 adults, £7 concessions, £6.50 children) and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (12A, £13.50 adults, £11.50 concessions, £10.50 children).

The museum’s monthly relaxed session will take place from 15.00 – 17.00 on Sunday 31st May. For visitors that prefer to explore the museum without the usual levels of noise and activity, the sessions include adjustments across the museum including reduced sound levels in galleries, more consistent lighting, clearer signage and quiet spaces available. Relaxed Sessions are open to everyone, and may be particularly helpful for neurodivergent visitors, visitors with sensory sensitivities, and anyone who would benefit from a quieter environment.

Beyond half term, Setting the Stage activities continue into the summer, with Pop-Up Parties taking place every Saturday until 18th July, providing plenty of opportunities for visitors to join in on the fun. Special editions of the parties will take place on Saturday 20th June and 18th July, with a focus on global music through Windrush and South Asian themed programming.

The museum’s popular Wondertots sessions will return with a Setting the Stage twist, with the introduction of regular “baby-rave” style sessions for under 5s and their grown-ups, taking place on 1st June, 6th July and 7th September. The sessions will provide a space for early years families to explore sound, rhythm and light. Tickets for Wondertots are available for £2 per child (free for accompanying parents).