Scientist use infrared to study things like sea surface temperature, as part of their work to understand the Earth’s environment.  Visit us in Manchester to find out more about NCEO and the Natural Environment Research Centre’s environmental science

Tickets

Tickets to visit the Into the blue showcase at the Runway Visitor Park in Manchester are free to book, but are limited in number. Each day we are offering morning and afternoon tickets to access the Into the blue hangar and explore environmental science through our hands-on exhibits and activities, talks and discussions.

Dates and times

The event will be open for five days from Tuesday 25 October to Saturday 29 October 2016 inclusive.

You can choose to book either a morning session (09:30-12:30) or an afternoon session (13:30-16:30) for a particular day.

Information on how to book tickets

Don’t worry if you’re unable to book a ticket – even without a ticket to access the Into the blue hangar, you can still visit the Runway Visitor Park site, which is open to all between 09:00 and 17:00 each day, there will be a small number of exciting outdoors exhibits for you to see and the atmospheric research aircraft will be visible from the viewing platforms throughout the day.

Please ensure you wear sensible footwear and bring a rain jacket, just in case! Much of the outdoor space at the Runway Visitor Park has no shelter.

Concorde tours

Each day, a small number of tickets will be available for visitors to tour Concorde. If you’d like to take a look on-board, please visit the Concorde Tour Desk when you arrive in the hangar to book your place. Places will be allocated to persons aged 8+ on a first come, first served basis.

Photography and video

There will be a photographer on-site throughout the week, taking photographs of the showcase in action. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know when you arrive at reception – you will be provided a wristband to indicate that we should not share any photos with you in them.

Please feel free to take your own photos at the event. We’d love to see them, so please tweet us @NCEOscience or by using #NERCIntotheblue – external link.

Food and drink

There is an on-site restaurant and café inside the building and snacks will be available to purchase within the showcase hangar. There are a number of outdoor picnic tables available for anyone wishing to bring a packed lunch.

Getting there

The address for the event is:

The Runway Visitor Park Sunbank Lane Altrincham WA15 8XQ

If arriving by car:

From the M56, leave at Junction 6 and follow the A538 to Wilmslow. After approximately 500 metres take a left turn down Sunbank Lane (opposite DHL). At the T-junction turn right onto Wilmslow Old Road and follow the road to the Runway Visitor Park gates.

Parking charges apply for all cars and motorbikes visiting the event. Parking will be charged at a subsidised rate of £5 per vehicle for all day parking.

If arriving by train:

Manchester Airport train station is less than 3 miles from the Park.

The 200 bus currently runs an hourly service to the Runway Visitor Park from the station. For exact times please contact Traveline on 0871 200 2233. Alternatively, a taxi from the station costs approximately £8-£9.

Into the blue Manchester is part of the Manchester Science Festival – external link 2016.