Charlie Hooson-Sykes

Geeks and non-geeks rejoice. Manchester Science Festival has released details of its 2015 programme and as ever it's got something for everyone - from family events, to art, booze to plain old factual science. Here's five highlights not to miss – though this is just a drop in the scientific ocean of events being held. Back to the Future…TodayOn October 21 2015, also known as #futureday, Gorilla will be screening Back to the Future II (1989), to be followed by a discussion presented by scientists from the University of Salford. Though we may not see a hoverboard on every street, the question remains, have any of the predictions come true?Wed Oct 21, 7.30-10.30pm, Gorilla. Tickets £10, booking required. Outbreak!Ever wanted to save the world? As a government scientist with the country is depending on you to identify and control a deadly new disease, you’ll search the city in teams to look for clues and work together to find a cure. Outbreak! is an interactive street game for all - although under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.Sat Oct 24, 11am-4pm, Manchester Central Library. Free entry, booking advised. RNCM Symphony Orchestra: Colour and SoundIn a concert to stir the senses, the Symphony Orchestra will perform works by composers such as Debussy, Ravel and Scriabin for whom the link between colour and music was incredibly influential when creating some of their most famous pieces. With a pre show talk, this performance will encourage listeners to explore the senses.Fri Oct

Restaurants that deliver rather than the usual takeaways seem to be all the rage at the moment. With more places in the city centre working with companies like City Waiters and Deliveroo, if you've found your lunch a little wanting or fancied a restaurant-cooked meal from the comfort of your own home, here are ten places now providing delivery right to your door. Crazy PedrosOh yes. The bar that started as a pop-up and grew so popular it stuck around, now brings its food to you. So that carb-a-licious Chicken and Waffle creation, the fresh and delicious Nacho Libre with its salsa and taco topping, or the lip-stingingly spicy Kingston Rock could be your dinner tonight - and you don't even have to leave the house. Admittedly, the crazy cocktails aren’t on the list, but if you need a something to quench your thirst, there’s a great selection of softs and one or two beers on their list. Splendid KitchenFRIED CHICKEN TO YOUR OFFICE. It's easy to get very excited at the thought of SK’s fried chicken and gravy winging (cycling) its way to you. And their macaroni cheese. And their ultimate in comfort food, eggs Benedict fries. They’ve a big beer selection and some great wine choices too. Not ideal for the office, but a quiet date night in with a film? Perfect. UmezushiWho doesn't love sushi! Umezushi definitely offers some of the best with fresh fish, perfectly sticky rice and the addictive pickled ginger. It’s also so good for you it qualifies as health food. So that means we can ea

There are so many ways you can spoil your mum for Mother’s Day, but one of the best is still afternoon tea. Here's five guaranteed to make any mum happy - after all, it’s hard to say no to cake. Opus One - Radisson Blu EdwardianWhether you go for the traditional afternoon tea (£18.95 per person), fizz it up with Champagne (£27.95) or opt for something a little more substantial with their gentleman’s afternoon tea, you won't be disappointed. It’s an ideal spot to watch the world go by.Opus One, Peter Street, city centre Cocoa CabanaA short hop from the city centre is one of the best value afternoon teas in Manchester. And it comes with so much chocolatey goodness that you might have to take some home! Sarah and her team will spoil you rotten and for £15 a head, it cannot be beaten – though book early, as space is limited.Cocoa Cabana, Burton Road, West Didsbury Grand Pacific – AustralasiaOne of the prettiest and most unusual afternoon teas in the city. The first ‘wave’ of the Asian high tea encompasses sushi, and salads accompanied by a delicious glass of Australian fizz. The second is three tiers of sweet goodies, served with a loose leaf or flowering tea. At £25 per person, it too offers great value.Australasia, Spinningfields Epernay Champagne BarA new one to the afternoon tea scene, Epernay has started putting its own spin on this delight, with Champagne, English Rose, or a cocktail to accompany the selection of sandwiches and cakes, and all for £22 per head. Perfect for s

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, some things have be done to death: flowers, lingerie, chocolates, romantic restaurant, cocktail bar or bottle of pricey champagne. But what do you do, where do you go, when these things feel a bit old hat? When your lover is a gamer, a crafter, a collector – a geek? Where can you take them for something really special? We’ve trawled Manchester's geek scene for ideas. For the gamer:For the artistic gamer, Madlab are hosting their Cosplay Sketch Off on Saturday at 6pm, who can resist cosplay, sketching and cake? But for the boardgamers Fan Boy 3 in the Northern Quarter have a packed Valentine’s Day, including a massive My Little Pony event, just in case your other half is a brony. For the film lover:Catch a film or two at the Cornerhouse before it moves to HOME, where the Philadelphia Story is their Valentine’s special. Or maybe Kosmonaut for their Valentine’s special showing of True Romance, where the price includes the film, pizza and a cocktail. For the science buff:MOSI has a weekend of history meets science with its Victorian fair – there’s a full working Victorian fairground and engine demonstrations – though I’d maybe skip the Punk Science show that might include a little fake poo. For the alt scene:This Saturday sees the return yet again of the Alternative and Burlesque Fair to Manchester’s Sound Control. Indulge in your love of vintage, tattoos and steampunk and things a little 18+ all under one roof. There’s even a vintage style tea s