Sparky Saturdays
Join us on the second Saturday of each month, it’s free to visit and there’s no need to book.
As well as our interactive exhibition, which includes dressing up rails, a Penny Bazaar shop and mini-cinema, you can have a go at a hands-on activity and try our exhibition trails – there’s something for everyone!
Activities run from 10am to 4pm. We’ve got free fruit, biscuits and drinks, including vegan and gluten-free options and you can use our indoor picnic space to eat your own food.
There’s more information on our Family Visits page, or get in touch with any questions – we’re happy to help.
12 October: Bouncing Berries and Marshmallow Models
Come and explore the exciting world of food technology! Learn about the science of the M&S research kitchens and have some fun with our experiments.
9 November: Christmas Family Crafternoon
Make something brilliant to take home! Choose from a range of crafty activities with a festive feel, led by some brilliant Yorkshire crafters.
14 December: Wonderful Winter Printing
Have you got your decorations up yet? Come and make some fabulous Christmas prints with our expert printer.
11 January: Food of the Future
Trend setters ahoy! What’s on your plate for 2025? Be inspired by previous M&S hits and imagine the food of the future. Create your own unique dish in clay form and photograph it in our mini-studio.
8 February: You’re the Boss!
Get a hands on experience of life as a Store Manager – design and run your own M&S store. What will your store look like? What will you sell? How will you welcome customers and look after them while they shop?… You’re the boss!
8 March: Archive in a Day
What’s in an archive and why is it important? Which everyday objects will seem strange and unusual to future generations? Join us in creating a museum in a day and add your own everyday marvels!
12 April: Spring Family Crafternoon
Have a go and get stuck in! Discover the amazing archive collection with exciting hands-on activities led by some brilliant Yorkshire crafters, choose from a range of crafty activities and make something brilliant to take home.
10 May: Design and Dance!
To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we’ll be taking inspiration from our collection of print fabrics and learning some classic moves with Swing dance workshops! Our 1940s prints brought cheery colour and dashing design to wartime rationed clothing, so we’ll be creating our own fabulous fabric prints in the spirit of make do and mend.
17 May: Don’t miss our bonus Saturday opening!
Take on the supply chain challenge! Make sure everything is in the right place at the right time, or the products won’t make it from farm to table! Prove your worth as logistics manager and get your best problem solving hat on to make sure the deliveries get through. This event is part of Be Curious at the University of Leeds.
14 June: Summer Styling
The new M&S summer campaign has dropped, and now it’s your turn to make some movie magic. Bring out your inner fashionista (stylist, model and director) to create a brilliant summer advert.
