For Immediate Release: Wednesday 17 August
Manchester Science Festivalisdelighted to announce that internationally-acclaimed electronic outfitPublic Service Broadcasting(PSB) will open the10thManchester Science Festival on Thursday 20th Octoberwith a very special, one-off performance at Manchester’s historic Albert Hall. Tickets for this unique gig go on sale on Friday 19th August at 10am via manchestersciencefestival.com
On the Festival’s opening night,PSB will perform their hit album ‘The Race For Space’ inits entiretyfor theveryfirst time, accompanied by an impressive brass section and musiciansfrom the Royal Northern College ofMusic, including a string quintet and a 13-piece choir.
This special event will begin with the mastermind behind Public Service Broadcasting, J. Willgoose, Esq. in conversation with ProfessorTim O’Brien, Associate Director of Jodrell Bank Observatoryas the pair explore the stories of the American and Soviet space race at the heart of the album and discuss the making of the recordand the journey it has led them on.
Now in its 10th year, Manchester Science Festival – produced by the Museum of Science and Industry and supported by Siemens and Lead Educational Sponsor the University of Salford – is developing a reputation as the boldest, most creative and most ambitious science festival in the country.This event reflects just that – fusing world class performers and up-and-coming musicians with space exploration and cutting edge science’
Manchester Science Festival Director, Antonio Benitez comments: “We’re delighted to be working with Public Service Broadcasting for the first time, to launch this year’s event. The Race for Space tells the story of space exploration’s finest hours in such a unique and inventive way and so it is the perfect collaboration for the Manchester Science Festival which also seeks to find exciting and unusual ways to celebrate scientific discoveries. The band’s eclectic and surprising mix of art and science will bring astronautics out of the lab and onto the historic Albert Hall stage. It’s a great fit for our opening night and a fantastic coup for our 10th year.”
PSB frontman, J Willgoose Esq, comments: “We're absolutely delighted to be playing the album in full for the first time ever in such a brilliant venue and as part of such a fantastic event. We'll be doing our best to make it a really special evening - we can't wait.”
Tickets for The Music of Star Wars performed by theHalléon Saturday 29thOctober at the Bridgewater Hall.Feel the full force of the Hallé as it brings the highlights of John Williams’ music from every episode of Star Wars to the stage. Featuring some of the most recognisable cinematic themes from The Phantom Menace to The Force Awakens, this concert packs more punch than an Imperial blaster. Dress to impress and relive the rise and fall of the Empire in one action-packed evening.
Tickets for Public Service Broadcasting go on sale from10am, Friday 19thAugustviamanchestersciencefestival.com.
The full programme for this year’s 10th Manchester Science Festival launches on Tuesday 6th September. All event tickets will be on sale from this date and can be booked via manchestersciencefestival.com.
For all PR enquiries/images and ticket requests: Rachel Furst PR on 07957 457668 or /
ENDS
LISTINGS:
Public Service Broadcasting perform The Race for Space
Date: Thursday 20th October
Venue: Albert Hall
Age: Suitable for ages 14+
Time: 7.30pm
Cost and booking info: £27.50 advance inc booking fee. Booking required
The Music of Star Wars Episodes 1- V11
Date: Saturday 29th October
Venue: Bridgewater Hall
Age: For all ages
Time: 7.30pm
Cost and Booking info: From £13.50
Notes to Editors:
About Manchester Science Festival 2016
2016 marks the tenth birthday of Manchester Science Festival (MSF),produced by the Museum of Science and Industry. Billed as part laboratory, part playground, MSFisa showcase for the mostcreative, surprising and hands-on science, where people of all ages can participate, experience and be curiousabout the world around them. Last year the Festival staged 138 unique events, exhibitions and installations, delivered by 86 partners fromthepublic, cultural, community and academic sectors across Greater Manchester.Lastyear’s event attracted around 120,000 participants over 11 days– making it England’s largest Science Festival.This year’s Festivalmarksthe end of the city’s year-long role as European City of Science, and runs throughout half-term from Monday 20 October - Sunday 30 October. The Festival is supported by Siemens as part of the Curiosity Project; a three-year programme aimed at bringing science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life for young people across the UK. Siemens has been a long-term supporter of the museum, with a local office of 700 employees, many of whom volunteer at the Festival each year.
About the Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry tells the story of where science met industry and the modern world began. Manchester was one of the first global, industrial cities, and its epic rise, decline and resurrection has been echoed in countless other cities around the world. From textiles to computers, the objects and documents held in the museum’s collection tell stories of everyday life over the last 200 years, from light bulbs to locomotives. The museum’s mission is to inspire all its visitors, including future scientists and inventors, with the story of how ideas can change the world, from the industrial revolution to today and beyond.
The Museum of Science and Industry is part of the Science Museum Group, a family of museums which also includes the Science Museum in London; the National Railway Museum in York and Shildon; and the National Media Museum in Bradford. The Science Museum Group is devoted to the history and contemporary practice of science, medicine, technology, industry and media. With five million visitors each year and an unrivalled collection, it is the most significant group of museums of science and innovation worldwide.
About Public Service Broadcasting
Public Service Broadcasting is the corduroy-clad brainchild of London-based J. Willgoose, Esq.who, along with his drumming companion, Wrigglesworth, is on a quest to inform, educate and entertain audiences around the globe.
PSB's uniquely spell-binding live AV Transmissions see them weave samples from old public information films, archive footage and propaganda material around live drums, guitar, banjo and electronics - beaming our past back at us through vintage TV sets and state of the art modern video projection devices. promoting the record with tours in Australia, New Zealand, North America & Europe - including 2 sold-out UK tours including legendary venues The RoundhouseBrixton Academy in London.
PSB launched their second album, The Race For Space, in February 2015 at 2 special shows at the National Space Centre – the album went on to chart at #11 in the UK album charts and spent a further 5 weeks in the Top 40 and has since gone on to sell over 70k copies worldwide. The band have been on a globe-trotting tour Debut album Inform – Educate – Entertain (nominated for a whole host of AIM awards in 2013 and over 50k sold worldwide since release) received widespread critical acclaim and was picked by BBC 6Music DJs & staff as the 9th best album of the year and appeared in many best of the year lists. The band first broke onto the scene in 2012 with The War Room EP and lead single Spitfire which first brought the band regularly onto the nation's airwaves.
Public Service Broadcasting have quickly developed a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the UK, wowing audiences over the past two festival seasons with major appearances at SXSW,Glastonbury, Bestival, Green Man and a whole host of others. Support slots with Arcade Fire The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park followed alongside longer tours with Manic Street Preachers across Europe and an arena tour with the Kaiser Chiefs in early next 2015. Another triumphant summer of festivals in 2015 is behind them including a support with The Strokes at Hyde Park, a second headline slot at Secret Garden Party and appearances at Glastonbury, Latitude, Green Man and many more.
About Siemens
As a global technology and engineering powerhouse, Siemens is behind a diverse range of technologies and services; from rail systems and energy management, to factory automation. We energise the world, help industries run smoothly and create the digital tomorrow. Siemens employs around 14,000 people across 25 major locations in the UK, including 13 manufacturing sites. We are known for our engineering expertise and ingenious solutions, and proudly supports 500 UK apprentices to help us deliver those solutions. Visit siemens.co.uk/ingenuityforlife to find out more.
About the Curiosity Project
The Curiosity Project is a three-year engagement programme by Siemens, aimed at bringing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to life for young people in the UK. This is to address the chronic shortage of engineers in the UK and inspire the next generation. Visit siemens.co.uk/curiosity-project for more information.
About the University of Salford
The University of Salford draws on an iconic industrial heritage to offer real world learning and research experiences and create highly-employable graduates. Salford is ranked by the Sunday Times as one of the best 10 places for graduates to find work.
Leading in media and digital, engineering and health, Salford features in the QS World University Rankings for built environment and civil engineering, and won the Times Higher Business School of the Year Award in 2014.
The University works with more than 1,000 companies annually and was ranked 5th in the UK in the Whitty Review for contacts with small-to-medium enterprises. With almost 20,000 students, many on practical, professionally-linked programmes, the University of Salford educates the highest number of people from low-participation backgrounds in the North West of England.
About Jodrell Bank
Jodrell Bank combines world-leading scientific research, outstanding scientific heritage and accessibility to the general public. Jodrell Bank Observatory is part of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics in the University of Manchester’s School of Physics & Astronomy. A world leader in radio astronomy-related research and technology development, the Centre has a staff of around 180 and is one of the UK’s largest astrophysics research groups. The Observatory operates the iconic Lovell Telescope and the e-MERLIN/VLBI National Facility of up to seven radio telescopes connected across 217 kilometres in the UK. The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre attracts around 160,000 visitors each year, including 21,000 school pupils on educational visits and is a key focus for the University’s work in public engagement & education. Jodrell Bank also hosts the international headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array Organisation responsible for designing and constructing the world’s largest telescope to be sited in Africa & Australia.