Free books and museum sessions for Manchester families this summer
Families across Manchester have a new set of free resources to help navigate the summer holidays as the city celebrates World Bee Day. A collaboration between Manchester City Council and Manchester Museum has produced a bespoke children’s book and a series of interactive events designed to provide educational entertainment without the financial burden often associated with school breaks.
At the heart of the initiative is a new story titled Billie Bee and the secret glue that holds Manchester together. The book follows the adventures of Billie Bee, a character who finds herself in a precarious situation that leads to a significant discovery about the city. Written and produced by the council’s communications team, the story focuses on themes of friendship, acceptance, and the historical significance of the bee as a symbol of Manchester’s unity.
Free books and activity packs for every Manchester child
The city is making the Billie Bee story available in multiple formats to ensure every child can engage with the narrative. Families can access the content through print editions, digital downloads, and audio versions. Each book comes accompanied by a dedicated activity pack, encouraging children to explore the themes of the story through creative play and literacy exercises.
This rollout forms a core part of the council’s wider strategy to improve reading levels across the city while fostering a sense of local identity. By centering the story on the iconic Manchester Bee, the project connects young residents to the city’s industrial heritage and its modern reputation for community spirit. The book is dedicated to all children in the city as a recognition of their kindness and potential.
Interactive summer sessions at Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum is extending the story from the page into its galleries this summer. As an institution aiming to be the most inclusive and caring museum in the country, it will host family sessions that blend the Billie Bee narrative with real-world science. The museum’s entomology department, which houses over 2 million specimens, will provide the backdrop for these educational workshops.
| Service | Availability | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Billie Bee Book | Print, Digital, Audio | Free |
| Activity Packs | Available with book | Free |
| Museum Sessions | Summer Holiday Schedule | Free |
| Support Line | Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm | Free |
Visitors can expect to learn about the complex social structures of a hive and the incredible physical feats of bees. For instance, to produce just one pound of honey, a hive’s inhabitants collectively travel approximately 55,000 miles and visit 2 million flowers. The sessions will also demonstrate the “waggle dance”—the unique movement bees use to communicate—and explore biological facts, such as the discovery that bees possess five eyes.
Ciaron Wilkinson, Head of Partnerships and Engagement at Manchester Museum, noted that the project is designed to address the issues that matter most to local communities. By using creativity to engage families, the museum hopes to provide a welcoming space for those who may be struggling during the current economic climate.
Practical support for families and cost-of-living advice
The launch of Billie Bee is timed to coincide with the council’s ongoing “Making Manchester Fairer” programme. This initiative recognizes that the summer holidays can be a period of significant financial stress for parents. Beyond the cultural and educational offers, the council is highlighting its dedicated support services for residents.
Families concerned about rising bills, debt, or food security are encouraged to use the city’s dedicated cost-of-living advice line. This service provides professional guidance on benefits and financial management.
- Cost of Living Advice Line: 0800 023 2692
- Online Resources: manchester.gov.uk/Family-Friend
Cllr Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, emphasized that the city’s children have immense potential. He stated that marrying culture and history with practical family support is essential for helping residents manage the challenges of the holiday period. The focus remains on ensuring that every child in the city has access to high-quality cultural experiences, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Source: Manchester City Council
Comments