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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Library Live
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260908
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260914
DTSTAMP:20260902T131643
CREATED:20250513T083322Z
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UID:10988-1788865200-1789297199@librarylive.co.uk
SUMMARY:VR Headset Experiences
DESCRIPTION:This September\, prepare to explore new worlds with David Attenborough\, Wallace & Gromit\, Vaughan Williams and Laika the first astronaut dog at your local library. \nFor three weeks in September\, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of FREE digital experiences. \nManchester 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. \nAfter 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 Manchester Central Library (8-12 Sept)\, Longsight Library (14-22  Sept)\, and Abraham Moss Library (23-25 Sept). The times of the sessions can be found below. \nAcross 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. \nAmongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings\, the experiences on offer will include: \n\nHold 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.\nWallace & 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!\nLaika – Witness one of the most poignant true stories in history with Laika\, an immersive VR short film from BAFTA and Academy Award-winning director Asif Kapadia. Adapted from Nick Abadzis’ acclaimed graphic novel\, Laika will transport you to the dawn of the Space Age as it tells the story of an unwanted stray dog who became Earth’s first space traveller.\nThe Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.\nMonoliths: 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.\nBerlin Blitz: 80 years on from VE Day\, travel back in time to experience this especially tense period of WWII history from a seat in the cockpit of a Lancaster Bomber. Hold tight.\n\nThe 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.\n\nThe Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in a series of open drop-in sessions throughout September. \nCome along to a session at these dates and times as follows:\n\nTuesday 8th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [14.30-16.30]\n\nWednesday 9th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 17.00]\n\nThursday 10th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [14.30-16.30]\n\nFriday 11th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [11.00 – 13.00]\n\nSaturday 12th Sept – Drop-In Sessions @ Central Library \n\nDrop-In Session [11.00 – 13.00]\nDrop-In Session [15.00 – 16.30]\n\n*******\nMonday 14th Sept to Tuesday 22nd Sept – Sessions @ Longsight Library \n\nSession times TBC – Standby for further details\n\n*******\nWednesday 22nd Sept to Friday 25th Sept – Sessions @ Abraham Moss Library \n\nSession times TBC – Standby for further details\n\n\nAll sessions are free – just drop in. \nPlease make a donation to support our Library Live cultural programme at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes or online
URL:https://librarylive.co.uk/event/vr-headset-experiences-at-the-library-this-june/2026-09-08/
LOCATION:Ground Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibition,Family,Music,VR Experience
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