Over the six-week holidays, the museum is offering a brilliant programme of hands-on workshops for children and families, all completely free to attend.
READ MORE: The ultimate family guide to what’s on this summer across East Lancs
From arts and crafts inspired by the South Asian Gallery to 150-year-old printing presses, laser-cut creations, crepe paper flowers, and Egyptian bookmark making, there’s something different to get stuck into every week.
Each workshop is led by a local artist or creative partner and runs across three days, Tuesday to Thursday, from 12 pm to 3 pm.
Week 1 (23–25 July): Saima Hussain kicks off the holidays with three workshops inspired by the museum’s South Asian Gallery — from henna design, to outfit making, to soft block printing.
Week 2 (29–31 July): Print, Paint and Pixel invite children to make their own artworks using the museum’s 150-year-old Columbian Printing Press, taking inspiration from the current exhibitions.
Week 3 (5–7 August): In partnership with The Making Rooms, children will get the chance to create laser-cut designs and explore how tech and creativity combine.
Week 4 (12–14 August): Lisa Howard of Indigo Studio leads a colourful crepe paper flower workshop. Families can then take a self-guided tour of the museum to spot the real-life versions of their handmade blooms.
Week 5 (19–21 August): Artist Annahieta Oskooi helps young visitors design and decorate their own Egyptian-style gilded bookmarks, inspired by the museum’s Egypt Gallery.
Week 6 (26–28 August): Artist Luke Saxon closes the summer with a playful collage workshop inspired by the museum’s architecture and vast collections.
READ MORE: Canal festival returns with free family fun this August
No booking is needed, and all activities are designed to be drop-in and family-friendly. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.