Manchester families get free books and museum trips this summer
Manchester families can now access a free children’s book and a series of interactive museum sessions as part of a new initiative to support households during the summer holidays. The project, a collaboration between the local authority and Manchester Museum, centers on a new character named Billie Bee, designed to celebrate the city’s spirit of cooperation and kindness.
Launched to coincide with World Bee Day, the campaign aims to provide high-quality educational resources at no cost. This move is part of a broader effort to assist residents managing the ongoing cost-of-living crisis while encouraging literacy and engagement with local history.
How to get the Billie Bee book and activity packs
The new book, titled Billie Bee and the secret glue that holds Manchester together, follows the adventures of an irrepressible bee who discovers the importance of friendship and acceptance. The story was written and produced by the Council’s communications team and is dedicated to the children of the city.
Families can access the story and accompanying activity packs through several channels:
* Print editions: Available at various community hubs and local libraries across the city.
* Digital versions: Accessible via the Council’s official family portal.
* Audio formats: Designed for accessibility, allowing children to listen to Billie’s journey.
The activity packs are intended to keep children engaged throughout the summer break, providing creative tasks that link back to the themes of the book.
Interactive bee sessions at Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum is integrating the Billie Bee story into its summer programming. As home to an entomology collection featuring over 2 million specimens, the museum provides a scientific backdrop to the fictional story. The museum’s staff will lead family sessions that combine storytelling with biological discovery.
Visitors to these sessions can expect to learn about the complex life of bees, including:
* Hive Hierarchy: Understanding the different roles within a colony.
* Flight Itineraries: Discovering that bees travel approximately 55,000 miles and visit 2 million flowers to produce just one pound of honey.
* The Waggle Dance: Learning the unique movements bees use to communicate the location of food sources to the hive.
* Biological Facts: Observing details such as the fact that bees possess five eyes.
These sessions are designed to be inclusive and imaginative, aligning with the museum’s goal of being a caring space for all visitors. The focus remains on how individual actions, much like those of a single bee, contribute to the strength of the wider community.
Essential cost-of-living support for local families
The Billie Bee initiative is a component of the Making Manchester Fairer programme. This long-term strategy aims to tackle health and wealth inequalities across the city, ensuring that all residents have access to cultural and educational opportunities regardless of their financial situation.
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, noted that the project is designed to marry history and fun with practical offers that help families during the school holidays. The Council is also using this launch to remind residents of the dedicated support available for those struggling with household costs.
Families concerned about bills, debt, benefits, or food security are encouraged to use the following resources:
* Cost of Living Advice Line: Call 0800 023 2692 (free of charge).
* Family Portal: Visit the Manchester City Council website and search for the Family-Friend section for a directory of local offers and support services.
Why the bee remains Manchester’s most powerful symbol
The worker bee has been a symbol of Manchester for over 150 years, representing the city’s industrial heritage and the collective work ethic of its people. By centering the summer campaign on Billie Bee, the project connects younger generations to this historical identity.
Ciaron Wilkinson, Head of Partnerships and Engagement at Manchester Museum, stated that the collaboration is intended to address the issues that matter most to local communities. By harnessing creativity, the museum and council hope to engage families at a time when many are facing significant financial pressure. The core messages of the book—inclusion and kindness—reflect the values the city seeks to promote through its public services and cultural institutions.
Source: Manchester City Council
