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.
Launching in Manchester Libraries in June, this forward-thinking initiative will be offering an array of incredible free digital experiences at both Manchester Central Library and Wythenshawe Forum Library.
Available between Saturday 7th June to Thursday 12th June (Central Library) and Monday 16th June to Thursday 19th June (Wythenshawe Forum Library), visitors to the libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds. Amongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings, the experiences on offer include:
- Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Join the beloved Aardman characters on a brand new immersive adventure. Expect cracking graphics Gromit
- The Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ 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.
The 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.
Speaking about the arrival of the Digital Spaces VR headsets at Manchester Libraries this Summer, Councillor John Hacking Executive Member for Skills Employment and Leisure said:
“We are thrilled to be able to showcase this rich collection of fully immersive Virtual Reality titles which I know will be very popular and that will have broad appeal for all our library users. In today’s society technology is moving ever faster and as a member of the new Libraries Digital Network we are determined to continue to make available new digital opportunities and experiences to all our residents.”
The Digital Spaces 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.
All bookable Central Library sessions can be booked at: VR Headset Experience Manchester Central Library
Join a session at these dates and times as follows:
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]
Saturday 16th June – Thursday 19th June @ Wythenshawe Forum Library
Wythenshawe Forum free tickets can be booked at VR Headset Experience Wythenshawe Forum
Monday 16th June : 10-11, 1-2, 2-3
Tuesday 17th June: 10-11, 1-2, 2-3
Wednesday 18th June : 10-11, 1-2, 2-3
Thursday 19th June: 2-3
For more details, go to Library Live
The headsets are also confirmed to return to Manchester Libraries later in 2025. Standby for further news of hands-on immersive film-making masterclasses and opportunities for creating new digital content in association with the Digital Spaces initiative later this year.
