February half term holidays (Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 February 2025) will see a junkbots takeover of People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester, with families invited to create their own colourful mini makes. The inspiration behind the Family Friendly creativity is the Deceptioncon robot costume, which is the latest addition to the museum’s collection and is currently on display in the foyer.

Deceptioncon was created by members of the GMB union and worn symbolically on the picket line by Amazon workers who went on strike in November 2023 because they felt like they were being treated like robots. They were campaigning for better working conditions, fairer pay and union recognition. Once visitors have met Deceptioncon they will be able to have a go at making their own junkbot in the Playful Protest Space and discover stories about the fight for workers’ rights throughout the galleries.

The Playful Protest Space is somewhere for families to create, play and relax. A whole host of colourful junk will be waiting to be recycled into a junkbot and when you’ve finished you can take your new bot friend home or add it to the imaginary picket line! You can also have a fun photo moment trying on one of the junkbots heads!

Half term Junkbots at People’s History Museum is a free Family Friendly activity that is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. It is also part of the SUPER DUPER Family Festival which is taking place from Saturday 15 to Tuesday 18 February 2025 offering free half term fun across the city. Deceptioncon is on display at the museum until Monday 24 March 2025.

Junkbots are powered by ideas worth fighting for, but for visitors the perfect way to refuel is at Open Kitchen Cafe at PHM. Hot drinks, snacks or a light lunch are served alongside a Kids Meal Deal that includes any sandwich, kids drink and selected pastry, bag of crisps or a piece of fruit, priced £4. And there are plenty of places inside the museum for those who want to bring their own lunch or snacks.

People’s History Museum’s opening hours are 10.00am to 5.00pm, every day except Tuesdays. Museum entry is free, with most visitors donating £10. To find out about visiting PHM, its full exhibitions and events programme visit phm.org.uk and you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to receive PHM’s e-newsletter.