Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organised by World Wildlife Fund aiming to unite people and raise awareness for climate change, and this Saturday will see several big Manchester organisations going dark in support.
Between 8.30pm and 9.30pm Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Central Library, Radisson Edwardian Hotel, John Rylands Library, Old Trafford (Manchester United) and the Ethiad Stadium will be flicking the switches and turning off the lights.
And the WWF have produced a list of 60 things to do in the dark. That's one per minute if you're planning on doing them all on Saturday, although some might take a bit longer...
Ready? Here you go...
1. Tell scary stories with the lights out
2. Pretend your torch is a lightsaber and ‘use the force’
3. Paint your face with your favourite animal – from a panda to a cheetah!
4. Make a shadow or sock puppet and put on a show (you could even use WWF’s Cerrado play for inspiration:)
5. Take a power nap or have an early night to wake up feeling refreshed
6. Indulge in a candlelit bath (you could even share it with your favourite person)
7. Play hide-and-seek in the dark
8. Go for a nature walk and see what night-time wildlife you can spot. Take inspiration from this special Earth Hour blog from Wildlife Kate
9. Pull some seriously funny faces (and give it that Earth Hour twist with some clever torch uplighting)
10. Look up to the stars. Teach your children a star constellation or find a dark spot for a whole evening of stargazing if it’s a clear night – remember to wrap up warm!
11. A cloudy night? Then bring the stars indoors. Try and recreate a starry night inside – get creative! Whether shining torches onto the ceiling, crafting your own paper, knitted or origami stars or using piercing holes through a tin can with a candle shining through…
12. Hold a candlelit dinner party with your friends – you could ask for a small contribution to help raise funds. And what better time to try one of our Earth Hour sustainable recipes or create your own based on WWF’s 6 Livewell principles
13. Try a twist on dinner time with a fun indoor picnic
14. Curl up with a good book15. Make a wish upon a star for a brighter future! What would your wish for our brilliant planet be?
16. Go back to basics with some old fashioned board-games like scrabble, Pictionary or Cluedo
17. Unplug any appliances that you’re not using and make a fun sticker for your plugs to remind you to unplug everyday
18. Try an al-fresco picnic under the stars
19. Make an Earth Hour resolution! Pledge one thing to live more sustainably
20. Break out the glow sticks, neon and bright clothes and have a mini-rave
21. Have a bonfire with friends and family under the stars – or recreate indoors by toasting marshmallows by candlelight
22. Write a dazzling message and draw stars with sparklers23. Have a snuggle under a blanket with a cuppa
24. Revamp the silent disco and try a blindfolded disco (watch your elbows)
25. Taste session in the dark – can you guess what you’re eating?
26. Try some nature inspired Yoga poses – how about the crocodile or if you’re a pro the monkey!27. Read your favourite story to the little ones or listen to our special ‘Just So’ celebrity narrated stories (which you’ll can enjoy as a free download when you sign up to Earth Hour)
28. Write a poem inspired by nature
29. Do an experiment – shine your torch on one of eyes and then switch it out. Open both eyes and learn about ‘night sight’
30. Be inspired by our planet and watch your favourite Attenborough nature show
31. Improve your low light photography skills and take snaps of your candlelit evening, wildlife or the stars and share them with us. No camera? No problem – use a phone or tablet
32. Make some animal sounds and guess the creature
33. Art in the dark – see what masterpiece you end up with
34. Go to the pub and hijack the weekly pub quiz – why not test your animal or wildlife knowledge!
35. Go on a night cycle (but be safe) 36. Have a candlelit street party and meet your neighbours
37. Play truth or dare or if you’re feeling brave…in the dark spin the bottle
38. Make your own candle lanterns (using old jam jars)
39. Have a sensory party – find out who has the best senses by seeing what you can taste, touch, feel and hear in the dark!
40. Play wink murder by candlelight
41. Hold a night-time dance class or make-up your own routine
42. Make your favourite cocktails or have a wine tasting night
43. Build a den for your children (or you) – pile up the cushions or stack up old boxes!
44. Go camping in your back garden
45. Go for a moonlit walk along the beach
46. Play poker, UNO or go fish and donate your winnings to support WWF’s work
47. Dress up in your brightest clothes – fluorescent fancy dress. Best costume wins…
48. Get your sparkle on and do a twinkly themed party (glitter optional!)
49. Call or visit someone you’ve been meaning to catch-up with and enjoy an hour of quality time
50. Why not plan a book club and discuss your latest good read
51. Hold an onesie party with your friends!
52. Listen to an Earth Hour themed spotify playlist – or make your own playlist with tunes linked to nature, lights out or the stars!
53. Go for a ghost walk in your local haunted place
54. Go to your favourite view spot in your town / city / London to see the switch offs
55. Take our footprint calculator challenge and see how many planets you need to sustain your current lifestyle
56. Play an instrument in the dark or get together with friends and have an acoustic jam – you can be the star of the show!
57. Need an excuse to stay in? Wash your hair with 100% natural shampoo or put on a facemask
58. Get crafting and upcycle something – it’s great fun and you’ll create something you can use! You can find lots of inspiration on the WWF-UK Pinterest
59. Hold a swishing party, invite your friends to bring an item of clothing each to swap and enjoy your new outfit without hitting the shops
60. Candlelit confessions! Want to tell all, well now is your chance – switch off the lights and confess your hidden secrets…